It would be hard to identify a bigger fan of Lawrence and Kansas University than the late Don Fambrough. The former KU football coach has a special place in the hearts of many Lawrence residents.

Nonetheless, Lawrence city commissioners should be wary of the precedent they would set by renaming a portion of 11th Street near KU’s Memorial Stadium after Fambrough. Commissioner Hugh Carter has asked the commission to consider renaming the stretch of 11th Street between Mississippi Street and West Campus Road. The proposal would be less disruptive to existing addresses than a previous proposal to rename Missouri Street between the stadium and Ninth Street, but it still would create confusion.

City officials also need to consider how they would handle future requests to rename existing streets. Many deserving people have contributed greatly to KU and Lawrence. The city obviously can’t honor them all with renamed streets.

KU officials are planning to name a street on university property just west of the stadium Fambrough Way. That’s a nice honor for the coach and a more appropriate recognition than renaming a city street.