As of August 2025, Lance Leipold is the head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks. Before he took over Kansas' job, he coached the Buffalo Bulls from 2015 to 2020. Before the Buffalo Bulls, he worked as a Graduate Assistant, Offensive Coordinator, and other coaching roles. Leipold took the University of Kansas' head coaching job in May 2021.
Leipold was born in Jefferson, Wisconsin, and went to Jefferson High School. He participated in the North-South All-State Shrine Bowl, tossing for two touchdowns in the South's 23–7 win. He was also a standout player in basketball for his conference.
Lance Leipold Salary
The university announced in February 2024 that Kansas football coach Lance Leipold has inked a new deal. Assuming his base pay stays at $500K (retention bonuses excluded), his pay will look like this for the next five seasons:
2025 season: $5.65 million + $500K base salary
2026 season: $5.8 million + $500K base salary
2027 season: $5.95 million + $500K base salary
2028 season: $6.1 million + $500K base salary
2029 season: $6.25 million + $500K base salary
Lance Leipold Incentives
Leipold would receive incentives for achieving these milestones:
1. He will receive $50,000 for finishing in the AP Top 25.
2. He will receive $50,000 for winning seven games and $200,000 for winning nine games.
3. He will receive $200K if he makes it to the College Football Playoffs; if the Jayhawks make it to the quarterfinals of the 12-team field, that amount will increase to $250K. Leipold will also receive $150K for playing in the Big 12 title game.
Lance Leipold Buyout
Leipold would have owed Kansas $6 million if he ended his contract within the next month or two. His buyout drops as follows on May 1, 2024:
May 1, 2024 — Buyout reduced to $5 million
May 1, 2025 — Buyout reduced to $4 million
May 1, 2026 — Buyout reduced to $3 million
May 1, 2027 — Buyout reduced to $2 million
May 1, 2028 — Buyout reduced to $1 million
READ MORE: Who is University of Kansas coach Lance Leipold wife?
FAQs Lance Leipold
A. Lance Leipold's salary for the 2025 season is $5.65 million without incentives.
A. Lance Leipold is 61 years old as of August 2025.
A. As of August 2025, the buyout for Lance Leipold is $4 million.
A. The financial incentives in Lance Leipold's contract are tied to various achievements, including reaching the College Football National Championship Game, appearing in the College Football Playoff semifinals, and winning coaching awards.
