On November 18, 2018, former Oklahoma State and LSU head coach Les Miles was hired as the new head coach. Miles arrived in Lawrence with credentials including a turnaround in five seasons at Oklahoma State, seven ten-win seasons in 11 years as LSU head coach, including winning the 2007 national championship, and an appearance in the 2012 BCS National Championship Game and many players drafted into the National Football League. Miles signed a five-year contract worth $13.8 million in base salary. His first season ended with a 3–9 record and 1–8 conference record; however, they ended a 48-game losing streak in road games against power five conference opponents. His second season, which was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ended with a 0–9 record. Miles was put on administrative leave on March 5, 2021 for allegations of misconduct with female students from his time at LSU. Miles and Kansas would mutually agree to part ways on March 8. Wide receivers coach Emmett Jones was named interim coach three days later.