In a significant coaching move, Andy Kotelnicki is making a return to the University of Kansas football programme. Head coach Lance Leipold confirmed on Friday that Kotelnicki will rejoin the Jayhawks in the role of associate head coach. This comes after Kotelnicki was not retained as the offensive coordinator at Penn State following the recent coaching change there.
A Reunion of a Successful Partnership
The reunion marks the continuation of a long and fruitful collaboration between Kotelnicki and Leipold. The two coaches have worked together for a combined total of 11 years across different institutions. Their partnership includes successful tenures at Buffalo, Division III powerhouse UW-Whitewater, and previously at Kansas itself. Kotelnicki served as the offensive coordinator for the Jayhawks for three seasons before his departure for Penn State after the 2023 campaign.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the return, Kotelnicki stated his deep care for the University of Kansas. He highlighted that his family was thrilled to be back at a university that had treated them well. He called working alongside Coach Leipold one of the highlights of his career and expressed eagerness to rejoin the staff. Kotelnicki also extended his gratitude to Athletic Director Travis Goff and Chancellor Doug Girod for welcoming his family back.
Proven Track Record of Offensive Success
Kotelnicki's previous stint at Kansas was marked by remarkable offensive production. Under his guidance, the 2022 and 2023 offenses ranked as two of the three highest-scoring units in the entire history of Kansas Jayhawks football. The 2022 squad was particularly dominant, setting a school record by averaging an impressive 7.0 yards per play.
Coach Lance Leipold voiced his excitement about welcoming Kotelnicki and his family back to Lawrence. He emphasised Kotelnicki's familiarity with the existing staff and team culture, as well as his nearly two decades of experience running successful offenses. Leipold also pointed out that Kotelnicki's experience over the past two seasons at Penn State would benefit the Kansas programme in multiple ways.
Specific Role and Current Kansas Offense
While the announcement confirmed Kotelnicki's return, Leipold did not specify his exact duties on the coaching staff. This is notable as Jim Zebrowski has just finished his second year serving as the Jayhawks' offensive coordinator. During the 2024 season, the Kansas offense under Zebrowski ranked 10th in the Big 12 in scoring (28.1 points per game) and 11th in average yards per game (390.5).
Kotelnicki's single season at Penn State in 2024 saw him lead the Big Ten's third-leading offense, helping the Nittany Lions reach the College Football Playoff semifinals. However, the season faced turbulence when starting quarterback Drew Allar suffered a broken ankle in a late October loss to Northwestern. Coach James Franklin was fired the following day. With backup Ethan Grunkemeyer starting the final seven games, Penn State's offensive production slipped to 10th in the Big Ten.
The subsequent hiring of Matt Campbell as Penn State's new head coach on December 5th led to a staff overhaul. Campbell brought his offensive coordinator, Taylor Mouser, from Iowa State, which ultimately led to Kotelnicki's availability and return to a familiar home at Kansas.
