Addressing Coaching Changes: Daryl Agpalsa Joins Kansas Football as Offensive Line Coach
During the offseason, the Kansas football program underwent changes in its coaching staff, with three members departing. However, Lance Leipold efficiently filled these vacancies, including the position left by Scott Fuchs, the former offensive line coach who moved on to the NFL.
As reported by Pete Thamel of ESPN, Leipold has selected Daryl Agpalsa to take over as the team’s new offensive line coach. Agpalsa brings a wealth of experience, having spent five years at Northern Illinois and previously worked alongside Leipold at UW-Whitewater and Buffalo from 2012 to 2018.
Sources: Kansas is expected to hire Northern Illinois assistant Daryl Agpalsa as the school’s new offensive line coach. He coached the offensive line for Kansas coach Lance Leipold at both UW-Whitewater (2012-13) and Buffalo (2014-18) before going to Northern Illinois in 2019.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) February 20, 2024
Agpalsa, highly esteemed by Leipold, previously coordinated the run game at NIU and is expected to assume a similar role in his new position. The recently appointed offensive coordinator, Jeff Grimes, will also play a significant role in shaping the team’s running strategy.
Hailing from Hawaii, Agpalsa has a track record of coaching top offenses in the FBS, notably leading NIU to a fourth-place ranking in rushing yards per game in the 2021 season, resulting in a MAC championship.
Interestingly, Agpalsa’s connection with a future Kansas football coach predates his tenure with Leipold. He and co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Jim Zebrowski spent three years together at Minnesota before reuniting at Buffalo.
Taking charge of an offensive line unit that has experienced departures to the NFL, graduation, and transfers presents a challenge for Agpalsa. With a mix of freshmen and transfers, he faces the task of developing these new additions to the Jayhawks’ roster.
Kansas has undergone significant coaching changes in recent months, including replacements for the offensive coordinator, defensive backs coach, and now the offensive line coach. However, despite these changes, the team’s offensive scheme under Leipold is expected to remain consistent, reflecting the spread offense that has defined the Jayhawks’ success since his arrival in Lawrence.
