Pair of SEC coordinators reportedly set to interview for open Kansas position
By Keith Farner
Published:
As Kansas moves through its interview process to find the next coach to replace Les Miles, the search includes a couple of SEC defensive coordinators.
Georgia’s Dan Lanning and Texas A&M’s Mike Elko are on a rather lengthy list of Kansas officials, according to a report from Football Scoop. Sources told Football Scoop that Kansas has a four-person hiring/interview committee.
Lanning, who reportedly turned down a position this offseason to be on Steve Sarkisian’s new staff at Texas, led a Georgia defense in 2020 that was tied for 16th in the FBS in points allowed per game (20.0). The Bulldogs also allowed just 321 total yards per game, and just under five yards per play, during the 2020 season.
Lanning is a native of North Kansas City, Missouri and got his coaching start as a high school coach in that state. Lanning is entering his fourth season on Kirby Smart’s staff, and third as defensive coordinator.
Elko has led a top 50 defense the past seven seasons, and came to Texas A&M in 2018 after one season of leading Notre Dame’s defense. In 2020, the Aggies ranked No. 9 in the country in total defense. He previously coached at Wake Forest, Bowling Green and Hofstra. Elko, originally from South Brunswick, New Jersey, got his coaching start at his alma mater, Penn, in 2000.
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
