Former Eagles coach officially joins KU football staff

LAWRENCE (KSNT) - Kansas football is adding a veteran co-defensive coordinator and cornerbacks coach to its staff, according to KU Athletics.

Head coach Lance Leipold and D.K. McDonald made things official on Thursday, confirming previous reports about him possibility of joining KU's staff. The 'Hawks' newest coach has over 20 years of experience and was most recently the defensive backs coach for the Philadelphia Eagles.

McDonald played a large role in the Eagles LVII super bowl run, helping assemble the second-ranked defense in the NFL in 2022.

“D.K. is a well-respected defensive coach and high-quality person and will be a great fit with our coaching staff and players,” Leipold said. “D.K. has coached at a very high level and brings great college football, Big 12 and NFL experience and has built great continuity with his staffs throughout his career. We’re excited to welcome D.K., his wife Kayla and their three daughters, Reagan, Margot and Fiona to Lawrence.”

McDonald comes to KU following the departure of previous defensive backs coach Jordan Peterson, who took a job with Texas A&M.

Before his time with the Eagles, McDonald was the pass game coordinator for Iowa State, and helped the team to four-straight bowl games.

McDonald is a Orville, Ohio native, and was a four-year starter at cornerback at Edinboro.