Mark Mangino Returns to Scene of His Prime

Mark Mangino is rested, relaxed and ready to go.

The former Kansas coach was given a field pass to Saturday's game between Kansas State and Miami at Sun Life Stadium. It's the same stadium where Mangino guided the Jayhawks to victory in the 2008 Orange Bowl to complete a 12-win season.

Mangino, who lives in Naples, Fla., spent the game on Kansas State's sideline. He was a full-time assistant at the school from 1994-98.

Kevin Haskin of the Topeka Capital-Journal caught up with Mangino, who left Kansas in December 2009 after allegations of player abuse. Haskin asked Mangino about how it all went down in Lawrence and drew a smile from the coach, who followed with, "No comment."

One thing was clear. Mangino plans on getting back into the business. "I'm just waiting for the right opportunity," he said.

Mangino probably looks good right now to Kansas, which has gone 5-10 under new coach Turner Gill.