Earnest Collins will coach his first Division One football practice today when Kansas University opens spring drills.

The landmark date for Collins could have come years ago, but the Jayhawks’ new cornerbacks coach is a man of his word.

“I passed up a chance once before to get to this level,” he said. “I just figured these opportunities don’t come along too much.”

Collins was a standout defensive back and punt returner at Northern Colorado from 1991 to 1994 and worked as a student assistant at his alma mater before spending three years as an assistant at Northwest Missouri State, where he helped the Bearcats win back-to-back Division Two national championships in 1998 and 1999.

Following the 1999 title game, Collins accepted an offer to return to Northern Colorado. Soon after that, he received an offer to join the coaching staff at Division One Boise State.

Collins said no.

“I had just signed a contract,” he said. “I didn’t want to tell them I was coming and then renege on it and not go. I passed it up that time.”

After helping Northern Colorado win 12 games and reach the Division Two semifinals last season, the Denver native was promoted from secondary and special teams coach to defensive coordinator.

“Defensive coordinator … that’s great to get that promotion,” he said. “At the same time, I think getting experience at this level will be even greater.”

KU is scheduled to begin spring drills at 3:25 p.m. today at the practice fields behind Anschutz Pavilion. The workout is open to the public.