12/3/2009

LAWRENCE — Mark Mangino has resigned his position as head football coach at the University of Kansas, effective immediately.

Kansas coach Mark Mangino has resigned amid an investigation into his treatment of his players, stepping down just two years after leading the Jayhawks to the greatest season in their checkered football history.

The university made the announcement Thursday as athletic director Lew Perkins met with players to give them the news.

“We appreciate the eight years that Mark has given to rebuilding our football program,” Perkins said. “He and I have reached a mutually satisfactory agreement that reflects the appreciation we have for his efforts on behalf of Kansas Football.

The school said last month it would probe Mangino’s treatment of his team. In the following days, many former players described insensitive, humiliating remarks they claim he made to them in the heat of games or practice, often in front of others.

But next came a wave of support by former and current players who remained loyal, insisting Mangino had strengthened the long-struggling program with structure and discipline, crediting the rotund 53-year-old with making them better players and men.

Mangino said he had done nothing wrong and intended to return for a ninth season. He and his supporters said his trouble with Perkins, who arrived at Kansas after Mangino was hired, stemmed mostly from the season-ending, seven-game skid.

“As you know we have recently completed an internal review of the football program,” Perkins said. “I have been instructed by legal counsel that we cannot release any documents related to this investigation, nor any details regarding our settlement agreement. The investigation and settlement agreement will remain part of Mark’s personnel records.

Mangino leaves with an eight-year log of 50-48, two victories short of A.R. Kennedy’s school record of 52 from 1904-10.

Voted the nation’s top assistant coach when he was offensive coordinator for Oklahoma’s 2000 national championship team, Mangino came to Kansas in 2002, inheriting a program in shambles, one that had always taken a back seat to basketball. He was thought to be in trouble after the 2006 season. But in 2007 Todd Reesing established himself as one of the nation’s top quarterbacks and the Jayhawks posted a 12-1 record, beating Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl.

Throughout his tenure, Mangino was plagued by anger issues, starting when he was involved in an embarrassing row with officials while watching his son’s high school game. Also, following a close loss to Texas, he accused officials of rigging the game so the Big 12 could get a second school into a BCS game and make more money. He issued an apology later that night.

Coaches David Beaty, Clint Bowen and Bill Miller will share interim head-coaching duties.

Perkins said his focus is now the search for a new head coach. “I know people will float a number of names out there,” he said, “but I will not comment on any potential candidates. I can only tell you I am certain that great things lie ahead for our Kansas football program. There’s a great buzz surrounding Kansas Football; we have great fans and facilities, and we’ve demonstrated a strong commitment to the success of our program.”