Kansas coaching search: Les Miles and 5 candidates to replace David Beaty

2. Dave Doeren, NC State Head Coach

Doeren is a branch on Mangino’s coaching tree at Kansas, as he served as linebackers coach and then added co-defensive coordinator duties over four seasons (2002-2005). He moved up the ladder to similar duties at Wisconsin (2006-2010) before becoming head coach at Northern lllinois (23-4 over two seasons), and he’s now in his sixth season at NC State with a fifth straight bowl appearance coming.

NC State is a middle of the road ACC program, but Kansas would be a clear step down for Doeren. He grew up outside Kansas City (Shawnee, Kansas) though, and started his coaching career at the high school level there. NC State athletic director Debbie Yow is also set to retire at the end of this school year, which could lead to Doeren considering other options.

Doeren was in the mix to become Jayhawks’ head coach in 2011, and apparently wanted the job badly before Charlie Weis was hired. Despite that previous shunning, by a different athletic director, it’s safe to assume Doeren would have some interest in the job. It’s unclear if Kansas would be willing to meet a $6 million buyout, along with topping a recent contract extension set to pay him $3 million per year through 2022 at NC State, but Doeren has to be on Long’s list of candidates.