Kansas Football Names Andy Kotelnicki Associate Head Coach
Kansas football has strengthened its coaching staff with the addition of Andy Kotelnicki as Associate Head Coach. His return was officially announced by head coach Lance Leipold on Friday, signaling a new chapter for the program.
Experience and Achievements
Andy Kotelnicki brings over 21 years of coaching experience to the Jayhawks. Notably, he has had three successful seasons with Kansas and served as offensive coordinator during 2021-2022. Most recently, he held a position at Penn State, where he significantly impacted the Nittany Lions’ offensive performance.
Successful Tenure at Penn State
- Guided the Nittany Lions to a win in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.
- Achieved a semifinal appearance in the 2024 College Football Playoff.
- Led the nation in first downs (367) and explosive plays (253) over 10 yards in 2024.
Notable Contributions to Kansas Football
During his first stint at Kansas, Kotelnicki led the Jayhawks to consecutive bowl appearances, a feat only achieved twice in the program’s history. Under his direction, the 2022 team averaged 35.6 points per game, while the 2023 team averaged 34.8. His 2022 squad set a school record by averaging 7.0 yards per play.
Impressive Offensive Rankings
Kotelnicki was recognized as the 2023 247Sports Offensive Coordinator of the Year. His team ranked:
- 7th in yards per completion (14.8)
- 8th in yards per play (7.0)
- 8th in rushing yards (211.3)
- 9th in rushing touchdowns per game (2.5)
Commitment to Kansas
Kotelnicki expressed enthusiasm about rejoining the Jayhawks. He stated that returning to Kansas is a meaningful opportunity for him and his family. Working alongside Coach Leipold once again is a highlight for him as he looks forward to contributing to the program’s success.
Legacy in Offensive Coaching
Before his time at Kansas, Kotelnicki cultivated successful offenses at the University of Buffalo and Wisconsin-Whitewater. His tenure at Buffalo was marked by:
- Setting school records for total offense (478.4 yards) and rushing (287.4 yards) in 2020.
- Producing two 1,000-yard rushers in a single season—a first for Buffalo—in 2019.
Kotelnicki’s coaching journey reflects a commitment to excellence, emphasizing strong offensive strategies and player development. With his experience and track record, the Kansas football program is set for a promising future as he reclaims his role in Lawrence. The Jayhawks will surely benefit from his return in the upcoming season.
