What Andy Kotelnicki said on calling plays for Kansas football, more

LAWRENCE — Andy Kotelnicki exuded confidence in February, when asked what went into the decision that he’d be calling plays for Kansas football’s offense in 2026.

Kotelnicki, the Jayhawks’ new associate head coach, noted he’s been doing it for years. He’s done it at multiple places, returning to KU for the upcoming campaign after spending a couple of seasons as the offensive coordinator at Penn State. Although the recent head coaching change at Penn State meant his time there came to a disappointing end, that he was a part of the Jayhawks reaching bowl games in 2022 and 2023 hasn’t been forgotten.

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Here are some more takeaways from what Kotelnicki had to say, after rejoining Kansas head coach Lance Leipold in Lawrence:

What has it been like reconnecting with players you knew at KU before?

Kotelnicki said it’s been fun to see how some guys have developed physically across the past couple of years, as well as where they are from a maturity standpoint. He also has had the opportunity to see Devin Neal, the former KU running back who’s now playing in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints.

What’s cool for Kotelnicki, is seeing the benefits of Leipold bringing consistency to a program that was so desperately in need of it ahead of their arrival from Buffalo ahead of the 2021 season. Kotelnicki mentioned you can see the pride that guys have being around the program, whether they’re pursuing professional football careers or exploring things outside of playing — such as getting into coaching.

How has it been to work with Jim Zebrowski again, especially with roles changing?

Jim Zebrowski remained on staff as Kansas’ passing game coordinator/quarterbacks coach, after Kotelnicki returned to the staff, following a 2025 season in which Zebrowski was the offensive coordinator at KU. Kotelnicki had only positive things to say about working with Zebrowski again, and this transition, noting it’s like riding a bike and the two complement each other so well.

What Kotelnicki loves most about Zebrowski, is how much he’s devoted to coaching and developing. Kotelnicki recalled a summer youth camp in the past, and watching Zebrowski coach the least high-profile athlete at the camp with as much attention as a player they were actually trying to recruit.

Is Kansas a program that has a chance to make the College Football Playoff?

Kotelnicki’s first season at Penn State saw that program make the College Football Playoff, and gave him the perspective of what it’s like to go on a run like that. Kansas is a team that’s not even played in a bowl game the past two seasons, but he expressed optimism it’s something the program he’s a part of again can do at some point.

Kotelnicki’s reasoning is the margin for error is so small, that why can’t a team like KU do something like that? Of course, it’s important to have great players, but he doesn’t think anyone is as far away from either end of the spectrum — winning every game, or losing every game — as they might think.

What did Andy Kotelnicki think of the additions KU has made to its wide receiver, tight end position groups?

Overall, Kotelnicki said they’re going to look for guys who can catch the ball well. Speed and physicality are also important at both positions, but speed more so at wide receiver and physicality more so at tight end.

Kotelnicki also wants players who can be every down guys, so there isn’t a reason coaches have to take them off the field in order to run what the team wants. Versatility remains an important aspect of a Kotelnicki offense.

Was there a point of emphasis with Kansas’ additions along the offensive line?

First off, Kotelnicki is always looking for physical players who can be athletic, bend and run. That athleticism, too, allows the offense to be more multiple in what it’s trying to do.

Kotelnicki also highlighted guys with experience, who’ve shown they can produce. When he looks at championship-level football teams, he sees programs with great line play on both sides of the ball.

Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. He was the 2022 National Sports Media Association’s sportswriter of the year for the state of Kansas. Contact him at jmguskey@gannett.com or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: What Andy Kotelnicki said about calling plays for Kansas football, more