Taiwo Onatolu has responsibilities as both the defensive ends coach and special teams coordinator. Onatolu met with the media Tuesday, talking about the addition of Kansas legend Joe Dineen to the coaching staff, the depth and competition at defensive end, and updates on various special teams roles.
Dineen been a valuable addition to the coaching staff
Dineen joined the Kansas staff as an analyst this offseason after spending two years as Purdue’s rush ends coach. He has a strong reputation as a Kansas player, being named a consensus All-American during the 2018 season. Onatolu said Dineen provides an example to the players he’s coaching.
“When you have a legend who’s passionate about this university, knows the area, and has been through it, it helps,” Onatolu said. “He’s been what every player here wants to be—an All-American and someone who had a chance at the next level. He brings new ideas and experience that benefit the guys.”
The former NCAA leader in solo tackles per game has taken on a role mentoring younger players. Onatolu mentioned that he’s helped younger guys like Garrett Martin or Dak Brinkley grow their knowledge of the game.
“Every day of camp [Dak’s] meeting extra with me or Coach Deneen, getting extra work, staying after, and doing walkthroughs,” Onatolu said. “He’s always had the physical tools, now it’s about the mental part and experience.”
‘Most depth and competition’ Onatolu has had at Kansas
There are a significant number of players competing for reps at defensive end for the Jayhawks. Onatolu loves the competitive nature of the room.
“It’s probably the deepest and most competitive group we’ve had,” Onatolu said. “Every day you have to show up because the guy behind you could be in front of you the next day.”
Kansas structures its practices to maximize the amount of reps in different situations for its players. Onatolu said he’s always seen good and good and doesn’t notice much of a drop-off.
“Coach Leipold runs it where ones go against ones, twos go against ones, and we’re always mixing it up to see good on good,” Onatolu said. “Those guys are competing, and sometimes you don’t know the difference. I feel like we’re pretty deep, guys are pushing each other every day, and it’s definitely fun for a coach.”
The depth and competition have allowed Onatolu to feel confident about the players he’s putting on special teams coverage. Even if players aren’t able to crack the defensive rotation, they know they can make an impact on special teams.
“When you have depth, guys know they can make an impact on special teams even if they’re not starting,” Onatolu said. “We want our best players on special teams, and the battles at every position give us that depth. We can throw guys out there and see what they can do.”
Special teams roundup
Kansas brought in Laith Marjan to be its kicker in the 2025 season. Marjan put up impressive numbers at South Alabama, making 16 of 17 field goals in 2024. Onatolu is impressed with his competitiveness and attention to detail.
“He’s confident, meticulous in what he does, and extremely competitive,” Onatolu said. “If he misses, he wants to see the film, break it down, and have an answer. He’s had a lot of success in the past, he’s accurate, and he brings something to our group.”
The Jayhawks added a late addition at punter, with Efren Jasso joining the roster in July. Jasso, a transfer from Prairie View A&M, was added to increase competition at the punter spot, along with McNeese State transfer Finn Lappin and Grayden Addison.
“We’re always trying to build depth and competition,” Onatolu said. “We’ve got some upperclassmen too. With how college football has changed, we’re always recruiting and trying to improve our roster. We are at our best when everyone in every position is competing—not when guys just show up and think, ‘This is my spot.’”
Onatolu said there are a lot of guys getting work at punt and kick return, but they’re still working through things. He ultimately wants his punt returner to be able to hand the ball back off to the offense.
“Get the ball back to our offense. That’s the number one thing. No turnovers,” Onatolu said. “Catch the ball cleanly—then we’ll set up returns and do other things. Securing the change of possession is the most important thing. If there’s something there, then get up the field. You always want a guy that’s dynamic, but catching the ball first is the priority.”
