Kansas football announces new defensive coordinator after Brian Borland retires

Change continues to happen in Lawrence.

Kansas defensive coordinator Brian Borland is retiring, KU Athletics announced on Sunday. Borland will be succeeded by D.K. McDonald, KU’s co-defensive coordinator and cornerbacks coach.

“I have been fortunate to work with Brian for more than 18 years, he is the ultimate professional, selfless coworker, and I am grateful for his commitment and impact that he has made on so many throughout his career,” KU coach Lance Leipold said in a news release. “Brian and I had discussions weeks prior to our last regular season game, and we are very appreciative of all that he has done for Kansas. We wish him, his wife, Gayle, and his entire family the best going forward.”

Borland retires after a lengthy coaching career, including four seasons with Kansas.

“After 40 seasons and nearly 500 games coached, I am announcing my retirement from coaching, a decision I conveyed to Lance a few weeks ago,” Borland said. “I am extremely thankful for all the experiences granted over the course of my career. I’m a most fortunate man. I owe a particular debt of gratitude to Lance Leipold, who has demonstrated tremendous loyalty and trust in me over the years.

“I did my best to serve him, the student-athletes, fellow coaches and this profession well in return. I absolutely loved my time at the University of Kansas. It’s a special place well positioned for big things in the near future. I’m now the football program’s biggest fan and supporter as the baton is carried to the finish line by capable hands.”

McDonald joined the Jayhawks before the 2024 season. Before arriving in Lawrence, he was the defensive backs coach for the Philadelphia Eagles.

McDonald also spent five seasons at Iowa State, where he served as the pass game coordinator

“I’m excited to take this next step as the defensive coordinator at Kansas,” McDonald said in the release. “I am grateful to have been able to work with Brian and the defensive staff over this past year, and I look forward to continuing to mentor and guide our student-athletes. I am very appreciative to Coach Leipold for this opportunity.”

The departure of Borland is significant. He has a long history with Leipold.

Borland has worked with Leipold since 2007, when Leipold became the head coach at Wisconsin-Whitewater. He then joined Leipold at Buffalo and eventually KU in 2021.

In four seasons at Kansas, Borland has coached 17 All-Big 12 selections. In the 2023 season, Kansas ranked fourth in the Big 12 in total defense and sixth in scoring defense.

The defense took a step back in 2024, ranking No. 63 in points allowed per game (24.3). Kansas also allowed 373.5 yards per game, ranking No. 73.

Overall, KU’s defense lacked consistency. The Jayhawks held a ranked Colorado squad to a season-low 21 points but allowed 45 points and 603 total yards to Baylor the following game.

McDonald will take over a Kansas defense that must reload through the transfer portal after multiple starters exhausted their eligibility.

It’s already been a busy offseason for KU, particularly with news related to the offense.

KU officially promoted Jim Zebrowski to offensive coordinator on Saturday, a day after starting quarterback Jalon Daniels announced his return for a final season in 2025.