Kansas and head coach Lance Leipold have reached a significant agreement on a new contract that will elevate his annual salary to over $7 million, making him one of the top-paid coaches in the Big 12 alongside notable names like Mike Gundy and Brent Venables. The freshly inked deal solidifies Leipold's standing as a key figure for the Jayhawks, with his contract set to run through 2029.

Leipold's success with the Kansas football program has been evident over his three-year tenure, with standout achievements including a 9-4 record in 2023, the program's highest win total since 2007. Under his guidance, the Jayhawks have undergone a remarkable transformation, transitioning from a struggling team into a formidable Big 12 competitor.

Notable milestones during Leipold's coaching tenure include a memorable 2022 season where Kansas secured a Liberty Bowl appearance after going 6-6 in the regular season. The team's upward trajectory continued in 2023, culminating in a victorious Guaranteed Rate Bowl outing and a notable presence in the final AP poll, marking only the second time since 2000 that Kansas finished the year ranked.

The university's commitment to investing in football has been underscored by a $300 million renovation project for David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium and its surrounding areas, emphasizing the importance of bolstering the team's infrastructure and fan experience. The initiative, which includes enhancements to the athletic facility and stadium, signifies a long-term dedication to establishing a championship-caliber football program at the University of Kansas.

With the commencement of construction work in December and plans to host 2024 home games at Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium and Children's Mercy Park, the Jayhawks' football program under Leipold's leadership remains on a promising trajectory. Kansas Athletic Director Travis Goff expressed confidence in Leipold's coaching acumen and leadership, citing the program's significant growth both on and off the field since his arrival in Lawrence.