photo by: Andy Eisch/Photo courtesy of KU Athletics

Kansas Athletic Director Travis Goff addresses the football team following a spring practice, on April 8, 2021, Goff's third day on the job at KU.

New University of Kansas Athletic Director Travis Goff made his second appearance at a KU football practice on just his third day on the job Thursday. And this time Goff addressed the players to conclude his visit.

Super-senior Chris Hughes told reporters following the latest closed practice, KU’s fourth of the spring, that Goff introduced himself and told the Jayhawks his goal for now is to keep finding out more about the team.

“He’s learning, doing the research. And he’s telling us that he’s doing the best to find what works best for us,” shared Hughes, a veteran offensive lineman.

The talk didn’t include any cemented plans about whether the Jayhawks will finish the 15-practice spring schedule by maintaining the status quo, with interim head coach Emmett Jones running the show through the conclusion of this portion of the offseason.

“We weren’t given any type of information like that,” sophomore quarterback Jalon Daniels responded, when asked whether the players learned anything about Jones’ stint as interim head coach.

Hughes described Goff as an AD who is “welcoming the challenge” of his job.

A 2002 KU graduate and former Northwestern deputy AD, Goff said during his introductory press conference on Wednesday he is “open-minded” about the football coaching vacancy, and that he left Tuesday’s practice impressed by the team’s energy.

When Goff took time after Thursday’s session to speak to the players, Hughes said the AD came across as very “open” and “honest.”

Added Hughes: “He’s taking his job serious, and I know we can all appreciate that.”

Daniels left the team’s first interaction with Goff under the impression that the AD will be receptive to the players.

“He wants us to voice our opinion to him,” Daniels said, “for him to make the best decision for us as a team.”

The QB said Goff’s message included the idea that “he’s here for us” and he wants the program to be able to make a “strong improvement” going forward.

Several players already have shared on social media their support for Jones and their desire that he remain the head coach.

While the future remains uncertain for now, some players such as sophomore cornerback Duece Mayberry are trying not to worry about who will eventually be named the head coach.

“I feel like I’m going to let (Goff) be in control of that,” Mayberry said, “and we’ll see what goes on from there.”