Les Koenning


Les Koenning Jr. is an American football coach.
During his career, he has served as offensive coordinator for Duke, Houston, Alabama, Texas A&M, South Alabama, Mississippi State, UAB, and most recently, Kansas. He was fired by Les Miles on October 8, 2019 after a loss to Oklahoma.

Coaching career

At Texas A&M, Koenning had called plays from the press box, and coach Dennis Franchione could overrule them, which he did often. In November 2007, the Aggies upset 13th-ranked Texas 38–30, and rumors have it that Franchione did not overrule a single play. Koenning, however, refused to discuss the matter.
After leaving A&M, Koenning was hired by Joey Jones at the University of South Alabama, which was getting ready to play its debut season in 2009.
In December 2008, Dan Mullen, the new head coach at Mississippi State, hired Koenning to coach the offense, though his specific role had not yet been revealed at the time. Mullen announced that Koenning would serve as offensive coordinator in February 2009.
Koenning previously coached receivers at Mississippi State under then-head coach Rockey Felker, during the late 1980s. Though he was replaced after the 1990 season at MSU by Jackie Sherrill, Felker serves today as MSU's director/coordinator of recruiting.
Despite being let go from almost every position Koenning has held, UAB hired Koenning as Offensive Coordinator. His stint lasted only one year.

Personal life

He is married to the former Lisa Pihl, and has two children Lana Koenning and Les Koenning.
His cousin Vic Koenning has served as a defensive coordinator for several teams, among them Illinois, where he also served as interim head coach.