Zenger has list, committee, search firm

The search for the next football coach at Kansas is moving along.

Internally the search officially began right away when Charlie Weis was relieved of his duties as the head football coach on Sept. 28. Although things have appeared quiet a lot has transpired inside. Since that time candidates have expressed interest in the opening, an advisory committee has been formed, and a search firm has been hired.

Kansas Athletics Director Dr. Sheahon Zenger has been juggling his time on the football side between supporting the program and looking down the road.

"We have spent a good deal of our time in support of our team and current coaching staff," Zenger said. "And we will continue to do that while we engage in this search."

Zenger hires Neinas to help search

During a coaching search in major sports most colleges hire a firm to assist. In the Jayhawks case they went with an individual many people will remember during Big 12 realignment.

Zenger is bringing on Chuck Neinas, who most recently served as the interim commissioner of the Big 12. Neinas is the president of Neinas Sports Services. He is the former commissioner of the Big Eight conference. He also served 17 years as Director of the College Football Association.

"He is one of the most well respected and connected people to the college football world," a source told Jayhawk Slant.

He is currently an adviser to the College Football Coaches Association.

"Chuck has the knowledge and experience to be a valuable resource during this search," Zenger said. "He is widely respected, as we saw when he lead the Big 12 conference through its most turbulent period a few years ago. He knows the conference, he knows Kansas, and he will help us name the right person who is the right fit for the position."

Search committee in place

Zenger is talking to a group of about 10 advisers that represent stakeholders both on and off campus. He indicated about half of them are former KU football players.

"I have been here four years and in that time period have developed relationships with individuals who have a vested interest in our football program," Zenger said. "These are people we believe the Jayhawk family would trust."

A list has been formed

Over the last five weeks Zenger has discussed the type of coach the Jayhawks are looking for with the advisers. He didn't get into specifics but they have a good idea what they will look for once the interview process gets underway.

Zenger said two main things that will guide that selection is someone who fits well with the KU community and can recruit the Big 12 region.

"That is what we have been doing over the last several weeks," Zenger said. "Athletic directors and coaches don't want to hear from other athletic directors who are looking to interview their staff members when there are four to six games remaining on their schedules. But heavy research has been done and continues to be done with key gate-keepers in the football community."

The Jayhawk Slant Hot Board- For the latest list and information we have gathered on the possible candidates for the opening see the updates to our Coaching Hot BoardClick Zenger is up-to-date with technology but keeps his notes and list on a yellow pad that always stays close to him. On that pad is the early list of candidates he and the advisers have discussed. He didn't provide any specific names but made it clear interim coach Clint Bowen will be a candidate for the job.Here to view this Link.. There have been new changes and we will update it throughout the search on information we gather.