Urban Meyer: 'Lance Leipold should be on people's short lists'

As Kansas got off to its first 3-0 start since 2009, Lance Leipold’s name started coming up in coaching circles. With two Power 5 jobs now open, Urban Meyer said Leipold should be a top candidate for any program.

Leipold is reportedly one of three names atop the wish list at Nebraska to replace Scott Frost. He won six Division III titles at Wisconsin-Whitewater before getting his first Division I head coaching job at Buffalo, where he won two MAC East titles. Now, he’s trying to turn around a Kansas program that went 22 months without a win until the Jayhawks defeated South Dakota last year.

On the latest edition of On3’s “Urban’s Take with Tim May,” Meyer said he doesn’t personally know Leipold, but knows one thing about him: He wins, and that’s why he should be an attractive coaching candidate.

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“I always respected the guys that have won at all levels,” Meyer said. “This is not a fluke that he’s winning. You ever go to Lawrence, Kansas? It’s beautiful. I could never understand why — Glen Mason had it going for a while, [Mark] Mangino had them in the … Orange Bowl — I’ve never understood why you get that dark cloud over a place.

“He should be on people’s short lists. That’s not a risk. He might not be a big, sexy name or something like that, but in my opinion, when I started doing my research on him and reading about him, I’ve never met him, but the guy’s a winner. That’s all you can say about him.”

Urban Meyer reveals interest level in returning to college coaching ranks

Even three weeks into the season, there is some big-name job open in college football. Nebraska has been gaining the most attention, with some of the top names being linked to the Cornhuskers. One has been three-time national championship head coach Urban Meyer, who would be considered a dream hire in Lincoln.

However, Meyer does not seem interested in returning to coaching at the moment, let alone the Nebraska job.

In an On3 exclusive of Urban’s Take with Tim May, Meyer revealed what his interest level was in returning to college football. Between working with Fox and spending time with his family, the former Florida, Ohio State, and Utah head coach said he’s happy being out of coaching.

“I’m really happy with Fox and really happy with the lifestyle right now,” Meyer said. “Flying in today to see grandkids. I’m happy with what I am doing.”