Kansas Football: Who potentially could replace Les Miles?

Allegations have surfaced against Kansas football head coach Les Miles from his time at LSU and he’s been placed on leave.

While we don’t know who knew what and when, or if the allegations are true, stories like this often lead to the coach being let go. With that idea in mind, we take a look at few names that could potentially replace Les Miles as the Kansas Jayhawks‘ head coach in the event he is officially let go from his position.

In a situation such as this, especially with spring football going, it’s difficult to imagine a new coach coming in at this point. I certainly would anticipate the new head football coach to be a coordinator taking the position on a temporary status, but here a few names to look at.

Potential Les Miles Replacements: D.J. Eliot, Defensive Coordinator, Kansas

The name I would expect likely to take over, at least through the 2021 season is D.J. Eliot, as he is the best bet to take over in such a quick turnaround such as this. The Jayhawks replaced their offensive coordinator just this year, so Eliot provides an element of stability within the program while new offensive coordinator Mike DeBord.

Would he be the long-term option? That I don’t know. But the idea of finding a new coach and getting them on board at this point in the calendar year would be a monumental task, so Eliot could be the most logical option should Miles be relieved of his duties.

Potential Les Miles Replacements: Willie Fritz, Head Coach, Tulane

Willie Fritz is a name that comes up when the Kansas job becomes vacant. He has coached at Central Missouri and Shawnee Mission Northwest High School and played at Pittsburgh State. Currently at Tulane, Fritz may be one of the few coaches that might listen or pick up the phone. After spending time at Sam Houston State and Georgia Southern, the Tulane coach’s sub .500 record is a difficult sell.

Potential Les Miles Replacements: Curt Cignetti, Head Coach, James Madison

A unique option for Kansas could be hiring a coach from the FCS level. Due to COVID, the FCS football season is currently ongoing, could the Jayhawks be in a position to lure a long-term successful coach to Lawrence? James Madison is one of the top programs at the level, competing with North Dakota State as the top program at the FCS level.

Potential Les Miles Replacements: Karl Scott, Cornerbacks Coach, Alabama

Perhaps a bit off the map, but Karl Scott is a top-shelf recruiter for the Crimson Tide and has experience as both a defensive backs coach and defensive coordinator at his various stops. Young, Scott could provide the Jayhawks program with energy and excitement.

Scott has been integral to the Alabama recruiting success, and the performance of the defensive backs indicates a capability in coaching and developing talent. Can he do it at Kansas? The young coach could be interesting.

Potential Les Miles Replacements: Terry Joseph, DB/Defensive Passing Game Coach, Texas

Similar to Scott, Terry Joseph is new to his position at Texas after being the defensive passing game coach at Notre Dame, and has previous stops as a defensive backs coach at a variety of programs such as North Carolina and Texas A&M. Joseph’s experience coaching against the passing game offense could be an interesting approach against the passing offenses in the conference while bringing a youthful energy to the Jayhawks football program.

It’s going to be interesting to see what transpires with Les Miles. This is a process that could take some time, but there’s a chance Miles doesn’t coach another game for Kansas football. Of course, there’s also a chance his name is cleared and he returns to the sidelines.

Even still, the Jayhawks haven’t made improvements during his two years at the helm and this could be yet another failed head coach for the Kansas football program.