Bruce Turns Down Head Coaching Offer From Kansas

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Former Ohio State football coach Earle Bruce has turned down the head coaching position at the University of Kansas, school officials said Tuesday.

Kansas Athletic Director Bob Frederick said Bruce decided against accepting the offer to succeed Bob Valesente at the Big Eight Conference school.

“In discussions with Coach Earle Bruce about the head coaching position at the University of Kansas, we could not resolve certain contractual issues surrounding Bruce’s previous contract settlement and aren’t able, therefore, to pursue the matter further,” Frederick said in a statement.

Bruce, 56, was fired as Ohio State coach Nov. 16. He has been in contact with officials at Southern Methodist about their head coaching position.

The final offer from Kansas reportedly included a five-year contract, a base salary of about $90,000 and a total package worth nearly $300,000 annually.