What Is 2019 Kansas Jayhawks football team

Overview

The 2019 Kansas Jayhawks football team represented the University of Kansas during the 2019 NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) season. Competing in the Big 12 Conference, the team was led by first-year head coach Les Miles, who took over the program aiming to reverse a prolonged period of underperformance.

Kansas finished the season with a 3–9 overall record and 1–8 in conference play, marking their 10th consecutive season with a losing record. Despite some offensive improvements, defensive struggles and inconsistent play contributed to another challenging year for the Jayhawks.

• Head coach Les Miles began his tenure in 2019 after being hired in November 2018, bringing over two decades of head coaching experience from LSU and elsewhere.
• The team played its home games at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas, which has a capacity of 50,079 and opened in 1921.
• Quarterback Carter Stanley led the offense, throwing for 2,973 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions across 12 games.
• Kansas’ only conference win came against Texas Tech (37–34) in October, ending a 17-game Big 12 losing streak dating back to 2017.
• The defense allowed an average of 37.1 points per game, ranking among the worst in the FBS and contributing to their poor record.

How It Works

The 2019 season reflected a transitional phase for the Jayhawks as they adapted to a new coaching staff and system under Les Miles. The team’s structure, game planning, and player development were shaped by Miles’ philosophy, emphasizing physicality and discipline.

• Offensive Scheme: The Jayhawks primarily ran a pro-style offense, utilizing multiple formations and relying on quarterback Carter Stanley’s passing ability to stretch defenses.
• Defensive Alignment: Kansas used a 3–4 base defense, but struggled with tackling and coverage, leading to opponents averaging 458.6 yards per game against them.
• Recruiting Impact: The 2019 recruiting class included 16 signees, with several three-star prospects aimed at improving depth and future competitiveness.
• Strength & Conditioning: The team followed a revamped training regimen under Miles, focusing on physical toughness and endurance to match Big 12 opponents.
• Game Day Preparation: Kansas held structured weekly schedules, including film study, walkthroughs, and position-specific drills to prepare for each opponent.
• Player Development: Miles emphasized long-term growth, sitting several freshmen to build experience for future seasons rather than relying on immediate contributions.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2019 Jayhawks compared to other Big 12 teams in key statistical categories:

The data shows Kansas lagged significantly behind conference leaders in both scoring and defense. While their offensive output was near league average, their inability to stop opponents undermined any progress. The win over Texas Tech provided a brief highlight, but overall, the team remained near the bottom of the conference standings.

Why It Matters

The 2019 season was a critical benchmark in assessing the direction of Kansas football under new leadership. Though results didn’t drastically improve, the year laid groundwork for future development and program rebuilding.

• Les Miles’ hiring signaled ambition, as he was a former national champion, but his tenure was short-lived due to poor results and an off-field investigation.
• The season highlighted the gap between Kansas and elite Big 12 programs, especially in recruiting, facilities, and player development.
• Improvements in offensive stats showed potential, but defensive ineffectiveness remained a major obstacle to competitiveness.
• Winning against Texas Tech provided momentum and confidence for players and fans after years of futility in conference play.
• The season underscored the need for long-term investment in coaching, recruiting, and athletic infrastructure to elevate the program.
• Despite the record, the 2019 team played a role in rebuilding fan engagement and setting expectations for future progress.

While the 2019 campaign did not yield a winning season, it served as a transitional year that informed subsequent changes in leadership and strategy. The Jayhawks continued to struggle in the years immediately following, but the season remains a reference point in the ongoing effort to revitalize Kansas football.