Matt Lubick, analyst for Kansas football, diagnosed with cancer - ESPN

Kansas analyst Matt Lubick, a longtime college football assistant coach, has been diagnosed with leukemia, he told ESPN this week.

Lubick checked into a hospital in the Denver area earlier this week, and the staff of cancer specialists has begun testing to determine the best course of treatment. He is being treated by the cancer specialists at the Anschutz Center for Advanced Medicine, which is part of the University of Colorado Cancer Center in Aurora.

«The texts and support mean more than you can know,» said Lubick, who spoke with emotion about hearing from former colleagues and players. «It's been spiritually uplifting and energized me. There's a purpose to this and I've gotten some meaning through the suffering. It's humbling to know you've impacted people's lives.»

Lubick's role as an analyst is a remote one, and he has continued to break down opposing defenses and meet via Zoom with the Kansas staff. On Tuesday, for example, he Zoomed with the Kansas offensive staff from the hospital and gave his third-down thoughts after analyzing Oklahoma State, Kansas' opponent this week.

«That was rewarding,» he said. «You don't have to work during this stuff. I do it for therapy. The Kansas staff being so loving and caring and supportive has given me strength and given me purpose. It's been therapeutic for me to keep mind off stuff.»

Lubick credited coach Lance Leipold, offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki and the Kansas staff for their support, and said he appreciates the opportunity to work during his treatment.

«Matt has made great contributions to our offensive success in this analyst role, and that's helped this program in ways that many people haven't seen,» Leipold said. «His courage, faith and passion to want to