Lance Leipold knows what's coming. With every game Kansas' coach wins, his appeal increases and his horizons broaden. But first things first.

One-third of the way through the season, a red-hot coach of a red-hot program doesn't want to lose his offensive coordinator. That's Andy Kotelnicki, a little-known 42-year-old whose schemes are behind one of the most innovative offenses in the country.

"Don't write anything about him," Leipold pleaded following Saturday's 35-27 win over previously unbeaten Duke. "He needs to stay right here. Don't give him some $2 million [coordinator's] job."

Too late? Kansas is 4-0 for the first time in 13 years, and there are many reasons beyond the nation's fourth-highest scoring offense (tied with Tennessee, just above Alabama).

Leipold is what they call a grinder, blend-in-the-woodwork developmental type who has won everywhere he's travelled. With three Power Five coaches already fired in September, that also makes him a desirable candidate elsewhere in only his second season at Kansas.

Leipold is one of several coaches who have reignited their programs one-third of the way through the season. You shouldn't have to be told Kansas has hovered around bottom 25 lists for years. The program cycled through coaches like changes of clothes. There was no continuity, even less talent.

The most valued coaching ability these days is turnaround ability. Scott Frost didn't have it at Nebraska.