Lance Leipold has close relationship with Clint Bowen, previews Oklahoma State

There have been a multitude of changes on Oklahoma State’s staff this season after Mike Gundy was fired. Former Kansas defensive coordinator/interim head coach Clint Bowen has taken over as the Cowboys’ interim defensive coordinator. Lance Leipold spoke about the relationship he developed with Bowen during his time as Lawrence High School’s football coach.

Leipold also touched on what he’s seen from Oklahoma State and the Jayhawks’ offensive struggles in the second halves of their last two games.

Leipold close with Bowen, he’ll have Oklahoma State playing hard this week

Bowen grew up outside of Lawrence and went to the high school level to coach Lawrence High after a one-year stint against North Texas. Leipold said he developed a relationship with Bowen through his time at Lawrence High and their sons playing on sports teams together.

“I really respect Clint. He’s an excellent football coach,” Leipold said. “I know in his time, you know, he cares a lot about the University of Kansas and went through a lot of different head coaches and experiences here through the days.”

The Cowboys’ defense has improved since Bowen has taken over as defensive coordinator. Oklahoma State is giving up 100 rushing yards less per game in Bowen’s four games, shrinking from 5.4 to 2.9 yards per carry. Leipold expects Bowen to have his defense motivated against his former school.

“I admire him for, you know, taking a chance to go back and coach in high school and have a chance to be the father he wants to be through that,” Leipold said. “I know he’s going to put his heart and soul into this week. Okay. And that’s not going to be surprising.”

‘Nothing is surprising’ in college football coaching changes

Gundy is one of eight power four head coaches to be fired during this season. Oklahoma State struggled out the gates after a big investment into the transfer portal and decided to part ways with Gundy. Leipold said Gundy had done a great job at Oklahoma State for a while, but nothing surprises him about coaching changes anymore.

“You keep going every weekend here, nothing is surprising in coaching ranks and job security and college football anymore,” Leipold said. “So maybe at that time [it was surprising], but everything that seemed to follow since, you know, a guy who’s done such a great job there for so many years. Yeah, but it’s what it is, I guess.”

Another coach with Kansas ties, former offensive coordinator Doug Meacham, has taken over for the Cowboys on an interim basis. While they’ve yet to win a game, Leipold said Oklahoma State has some athletes and could view this game as an opportunity to get a conference win.

“I do know this when I watch part of their games, they have some athletes, they have some talent, they have speed, they’ve created some big plays, they’re doing things,” Leipold said. “And I’m sure they’re looking at it through their lens and where we’re at, that this is a great opportunity for them to get a conference win and get themselves feeling good.”

Frustrated by offensive struggles in second half

In Kansas’ last two losses, the Jayhawks have been held without a touchdown, scoring just one field goal. Leipold said the issues are due to multiple different factors but has been analyzing the problems.

“Obviously we analyze the plays that are being called and, you know, and revamp and what those packages are in those parts of the field,” Leipold said. “We need to continue to do that and to better.”

Kansas trailed by one possession heading into halftime, both against Texas Tech and Kansas State. The Jayhawks did not score on either first possession in the second half, failing to convert on third-and-short in multiple scenarios. Leipold called the issues frustrating.

“As tough as these last two games have been and probably what you’re saying in the second half is we’ve had the ball one or two times, still within a score or the ability to take the lead and had third and one, I think multiple times and we have not converted and we are well aware of that,” Leipold said. “Very frustrated by that and we have to get that improved.”