Kansas Football Coordinator Zebrowski Embraces Role Change

Veteran assistant coach Jim Zebrowski stays committed to Jayhawks despite shift in responsibilities.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:07am

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Jim Zebrowski, who served as Kansas football's offensive coordinator last season, has taken on a new role as passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach after former OC Andy Kotelnicki returned to the staff. While the change was initially difficult, Zebrowski embraced the opportunity to focus more on the passing game and work closely with the team's quarterbacks, including Cole Ballard, Isaiah Marshall, and Chase Jenkins.

Why it matters

Zebrowski's willingness to adapt to the staff changes and remain committed to the program despite a perceived demotion speaks to his character and dedication. The Jayhawks are looking to bounce back after missing out on a bowl game the past two seasons, and Zebrowski's experience and expertise will be crucial in helping the offense improve.

The details

Zebrowski went from being the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach to the passing game coordinator/quarterbacks coach, with Kotelnicki returning as the associate head coach and taking over the offense. While Zebrowski acknowledged the change was difficult, he understood the need for the offense to improve after a disappointing 2025 season. Zebrowski, who has a long history of success working with Kotelnicki, was assured he could still coach the quarterbacks, which helped him decide to stay at Kansas rather than explore other opportunities.

  • Zebrowski served as Kansas' offensive coordinator last season.
  • Kotelnicki returned to the Kansas staff as associate head coach and offensive coordinator after a two-year stint at Penn State.

The players

Jim Zebrowski

Kansas football's passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach, who previously served as the team's offensive coordinator.

Andy Kotelnicki

Kansas football's associate head coach and offensive coordinator, who is returning to the staff after a two-year stint at Penn State.

Cole Ballard

Kansas redshirt junior quarterback competing for the starting job.

Isaiah Marshall

Kansas redshirt sophomore quarterback competing for the starting job.

Chase Jenkins

Kansas redshirt junior quarterback and transfer from Rice, currently limited due to injury.

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What they’re saying

“'Of course you've got to think about it for a second, but that was like one-tenth of a second. I'm like, 'I'm good.' It's not like I'm a 30-year-old dude anymore. … And the other thing is, sometimes these guys know how you coach. You know what I'm saying? And then the system, sometimes — I'm so locked in. Even though I knew Andy was coming to change things, it'd still be a similar structure.'”

— Jim Zebrowski, Kansas football passing game coordinator/quarterbacks coach

“'That's just the kind of guy he is, coach (Zebrowski) is great. He always looks at the quarterback first, whenever he's doing anything, so just hearing that he has our backs like that, and that we're always going to have his back at any time as well, was really cool.'”

— Cole Ballard, Kansas redshirt junior quarterback

What’s next

The Jayhawks will continue their spring practice schedule as they look to identify their starting quarterback ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Zebrowski's willingness to adapt to a change in responsibilities and his commitment to helping Kansas improve its offense demonstrates his professionalism and dedication to the program. His experience and rapport with the quarterbacks will be crucial as the Jayhawks aim to end their two-year bowl game drought.