Kansas Football Kicks Off Spring Practice Under New Coach

Associate Head Coach Andy Kotelnicki discusses the team's progress and outlook for the upcoming season.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:03pm

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The Kansas Jayhawks football team has begun spring practice ahead of the 2026 season, with new associate head coach Andy Kotelnicki providing updates on the team's progress. Kotelnicki discussed the team's focus areas and preparations as they look to build on recent successes and compete in the Big 12 conference.

Why it matters

Kansas football has struggled for years, but the program has shown signs of improvement in recent seasons. The start of spring practice marks an important milestone as the team works to continue that momentum under new coaching leadership and prepare for the upcoming year.

The details

Kotelnicki, who was recently hired as the associate head coach, spoke to reporters about the team's spring practice sessions. He highlighted the squad's emphasis on fundamentals, player development, and installing new offensive and defensive schemes. The coach expressed optimism about the team's potential, noting the returning talent and the staff's focus on building a winning culture.

  • Kansas football spring practice began on March 25, 2026.

The players

Andy Kotelnicki

The new associate head coach for the Kansas Jayhawks football team, who is overseeing the team's spring practice sessions and preparations for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“We're really focused on the fundamentals and getting our guys to play fast and physical. There's a lot of energy and excitement around the program right now, and we're working hard to build on the progress from last season.”

— Andy Kotelnicki, Associate Head Coach

What’s next

The Jayhawks will continue spring practice over the next several weeks, culminating in the annual spring game on April 26th. Kotelnicki and the coaching staff will use this time to evaluate the team's development and make any necessary adjustments before the start of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

With a new coaching staff in place, the Kansas Jayhawks football team is looking to build on their recent successes and compete at a higher level in the Big 12 conference. The start of spring practice marks an important step in that process, as the team works to establish a strong foundation and prepare for the challenges ahead.