Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN/AP) - Both the University of Buffalo and Kansas confirm Kansas is hiring Buffalo coach Lance Leipold as its next coach, turning over one of college football's worst programs to a longtime Division III coach with Midwestern roots.
Leipold takes over for Les Miles, the former championship-winning coach at LSU, who parted with the Jayhawks after two losing seasons amid allegations of sexual harassment dating to his time with the Tigers.
Leipold has been with the Bulls for the past six years, building a downtrodden program into a perennial bowl contender. He is 37-33 with Buffalo, leading the program to its best seasons since joining the Mid-American Conference in 1999.
Before jumping to the Division I level, the 56-year-old Leipold won six national championships in eight seasons while going 109-6 as the head coach of his alma mater, Wisconsin-Whitewater.
In a statement, UB Athletic Director Mark Alnutt says: "I can't thank Lance enough for everything he has done for our football program," Alnutt said. "His vision and leadership helped elevate the UB football brand. We are grateful for what Lance has done here and we wish him and his family all the best as they embark on this new journey."
"Since entering the FBS ranks in 1999, the UB football program continues to rise to unprecedented heights. From bowl victories to top NFL Draft picks, UB has established itself as one of the top programs in not only the Mid-American Conference, but the entire Group of Five. With our success on the field as well as facilities rivaling some of the best in the country, we know we are an attractive coaching destination and look forward to selecting the next leader of our football program."
