Former KU coach Mark Mangino to become Iowa State’s offensive coordinator

Former Kansas football coach Mark Mangino is returning to the Big 12.

Mangino, who spent the past season as an assistant at Youngstown State, will become the offensive coordinator at Iowa State, he confirmed to The Star in a text message on Monday afternoon.

Iowa State also announced the hire in a news release. It will be the fourth stop in the Big 12 for Mangino, who compiled a 50-48 record in eight seasons as Kansas’ head coach. He also worked as an offensive coordinator at Oklahoma, helping the Sooners to the BCS championship in 2000, and as an assistant under Bill Snyder at Kansas State from 1991-98.

“I am beyond thrilled to welcome Coach Mangino to the Cyclone football family,” Iowa State head coach Paul Rhoads said in a statement. “He has an imaginative offensive mind, an ability to play to his players’ strengths, a track record of winning and a tremendous familiarity with the Big 12 Conference. In terms of calling plays and executing a game plan, he is top shelf. He has learned from a ‘Who’s Who’ of college coaches, effectively led his own championship program and is respected throughout the coaching ranks.”

After leading Kansas to back-to-back bowl victories, including a 12-1 record and an Orange Bowl win after the 2007 season, Mangino left KU after a 5-7 record in 2009. His exit was marred by accusations of verbal abuse toward players and an internal investigation launched by then-KU athletic director Lew Perkins.

Mangino resigned amidst the controversy and spent three seasons out of coaching before returning last year to his alma mater, Youngstown State. He served as an assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator while coaching tight ends.

In a text message to The Star on Monday, Mangino said he was snowed in at Youngstown and hoped “to get to Ames before spring ball.”

Iowa State will face Kansas on Nov. 8 in Lawrence. It will be Mangino’s first trip to Memorial Stadium since his final home game at Kansas, a 31-17 loss to Nebraska on Nov. 14, 2009.

This story was originally published January 6, 2014 at 3:47 PM with the headline "Former KU coach Mark Mangino to become Iowa State’s offensive coordinator."