Kansas University defensive line coach Joe Bob Clements is leaving KU to take over as defensive ends coach at rival Kansas State, Wildcats coach Bill Snyder announced Thursday.
Clements, who is in his first season as a Jayhawks assistant, was part of 10 bowl games as both a player and coach with Kansas State and spent a total of seven years working under the legendary Snyder, who will return to the Wildcats’ sideline next season after a three-year hiatus. Clements represents the first known member of Snyder’s new staff.
After walking on to the Wildcats team prior to the 1996 season, Clements developed into an honorable mention all-Big 12 selection before graduating in 1999. He remained at KSU when his playing career was over, serving as a student and graduate assistant before taking over as defensive ends coach from 2003-05. He also spent two seasons as the defensive line coach at San Diego State before joining KU coach Mark Mangino’s staff earlier this year.
Clements will not coach the Jayhawks in their yet-to-be-determined bowl game, Kansas officials said Thursday.
“We’ll absorb his responsibilities among the staff,” KU associate athletics director Jim Marchiony said. “That’s what will likely happen.”
A Kansas State spokesman, meanwhile, said Clements will begin recruiting for the Wildcats immediately.