photo by: AP Photo/Chris Szagola

Philadelphia Eagles assistant defensive backs coach D.K. McDonald during an NFL football workout, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, in Philadelphia.

Among the new faces at Kansas’ spring practices this past week was newly hired co-defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach D.K. McDonald. After coming to Lawrence from Philadelphia, the 22-year coaching veteran is already making a strong impression on a defense searching for further improvement this fall.

McDonald, who spent three seasons as a pass-game coordinator at Iowa State before helping the Philadelphia Eagles reach the 2022 Super Bowl, said the foundation already being laid for KU’s defense is an encouraging sign, pointing to returning corners Cobee Bryant and Mello Dotson specifically.

“They’re like having two extra coaches on the field,” McDonald said. “They’re doing a good job of pouring into the young guys.”

True freshman cornerback Jalen Todd is another name that’s stood out to McDonald. He referred to the Detroit-area product as an “edge-of-his-seat guy,” who’s gaining a lot of steam in the defensive-back group.

“Some things we just want to clean are pad level, clean up his eyes and make sure he’s looking at the right stuff and not staring at the quarterback,” McDonald said of Todd. “Smarter football players are better football players — we’re just trying to get him to become smarter and smarter.”

Just one week into spring ball, McDonald’s expertise is seemingly getting through to the defense.

Dotson admitted former position coach Jordan Peterson’s departure came as a shock, but that he’s taking to McDonald’s “straightforward, all about business” approach. Dotson’s also been thoroughly impressed with McDonald’s NFL background and the conversations with older Jayhawks eyeing pro careers.

“The level we want to get to, he’s been there so sit down, listen, take in what he’s teaching us and work,” Dotson said. “… He was teaching grown men and those are the shoes that I want to be in.”

McDonald, who officially joined Lance Leipold’s staff in early February, was promoted to full-time defensive backs coach in Philadelphia a year ago before stepping back into the evolved Big 12 Conference at KU.

Reflecting on the week of spring practice, McDonald reiterated how impressed he’s been by the quality effort being put in by his veterans.

“To know them just personally, how they operate, the level at which they work,” McDonald said. “The biggest thing that surprised me is the leadership that they have and making sure that their teammates aren’t left behind – they’re leaving a legacy here, which is great.

“… Our A players got to get A’s, and that’s what they’re doing so far,” McDonald said.