In 1997, Jim Leavitt, previously the co-defensive coordinator at Kansas State, was hired as the team's first head coach. Their first team meeting was held under a shade tree, as the school had no proper football facilities on campus.
In 1997, Jim Leavitt, previously the co-defensive coordinator at Kansas State, became the team's inaugural head coach. Their first team gathering was held beneath a tree because the university did not have proper football facilities on campus.