Mangino could be coaching final game vs. MU

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Heading into what could be his final game as coach at Kansas, Mark Mangino might still position the Jayhawks for a school-record third straight bowl game.

A victory over archrival Missouri on Saturday would snap a six-game losing streak and make Kansas postseason eligible amid all the turmoil and controversy.

In the meantime, the internal investigation into allegations of verbal and emotional abuse by the 53-year-old coach is in its second week. Former players have alleged that Mangino was abusive in things he said. He has not been accused of physical abuse.

It's unlikely anything will be done regarding Mangino's employment until the report has been completed and digested by university officials and lawyers. Mangino's contract was extended after the 2007 season and runs through 2012.

The Jayhawks (5-6, 1-6) lost to No. 3 Texas on Saturday 51-20.

Mangino, the national coach of the year in 2007, said following the loss the Jayhawks remain united as a team.

"Let me say this, I am privileged to coach these kids," he said. "They are a 5-6 football team, it is one of the most resilient bunch of kids I've ever been around. I can't give you the exact reasons for that, but I think that everything they do together really makes it a united football team."

The Jayhawks won their first five games this year and rose to No. 16 in the national rankings, but then quarterback Todd Reesing and the rest of the team went into a tailspin. Nevertheless, a victory over Missouri in Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium would make them eligible for one more game.