KU football hires Todd Bradford as linebackers coach

Kansas football coach David Beaty filled a vacancy on his staff Friday, hiring veteran assistant coach Todd Bradford to serve as linebackers coach.

He replaces Kevin Kane, who accepted the defensive coordinator job at Northern Illinois. Bradford last worked at Maryland, serving as the Terrapins’ defensive coordinator in 2011. He was let go in early 2012, accepting a buyout after guiding the last-ranked defense in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Bradford, though, has experience in the Big 12, serving as an assistant at Oklahoma State from 2005-07, as well as three years as the defensive coordinator at Southern Miss from 2008-10. Beaty described Bradford as a well-rounded coach who understands the culture of the Big 12.

“Not only does Todd’s track record speak for itself in regards to recruiting and development of players, but he has done it within the landscape of the Big 12,” Beaty said. “He was a key member of Mike Gundy’s staff at Oklahoma State that helped push that program to the top of our conference. He knows what it takes to help a team become successful in this league.”

Before working at Oklahoma State, Bradford also had stints at BYU, Middle Tennessee, Wisconsin and Louisiana Tech.

The hiring of Bradford is the second addition to the coaching staff this offseason. Beaty also hired veteran receivers coach Jason Phillips while re-assigning special teams coordinator/tight ends coach Gary Hyman to an off-field role.

This story was originally published January 15, 2016 at 12:09 PM with the headline "KU football hires Todd Bradford as linebackers coach."