Mark Mangino Drops a Big Compliment at KU Hall Induction

Kansas football legend Mark Mangino stole the show at his Kansas Sports Hall of Fame induction.

Instead of reminiscing about his 2007 Orange Bowl team, he praised Kansas Athletics Director Travis Goff instead.

“When Travis Goff had been the AD 20 years ago, it would be a whole new ball game in all sports at KU,” Mangino said. “He’s a game-changer.”

The comments came during his acceptance speech, where Mangino also shared his admiration for current head coach Lance Leipold and announced he’ll attend the Jayhawks’ new stadium Sunday.

Mangino’s praise carries weight. He led Kansas to the school’s only 12-win season and its sole Orange Bowl victory in 2007. He rose from assistant to national Coach of the Year before departing in 2009. His endorsement of Goff reflects what boosters and stakeholders already feel: structural change is underway.

Goff, a Kansas graduate and former Northwestern administrator, was hired in 2021. Since then, his leadership has focused on facility upgrades, revenue growth, and football turnaround planning under Leipold. Mangino’s comments suggest that the investment environment at KU is accelerating in ways that past regimes couldn’t manage.

The timing adds more significance. As Kansas football opens its new stadium this weekend, the program needs momentum. Leipold’s recent success and Goff’s operational strategy have created optimism within Lawrence’s athletic community. Mangino’s public approval amplifies that narrative.

This isn’t just nostalgia. It’s validation. A former champion coach is saying a Kansas alum turned administrator is changing the game. With Mangino back on campus for the game Sunday, eyes will be on both the new facility and the future of KU football.