The Kansas football program will be "featured in a behind-the-scenes project to be broadcast by Big 12 Now, the conference’s new streaming network which will be available on ESPN+," according to Blair Kerkhoff of the K.C. STAR. The first of 18 episodes "will air in August," and each "will last about 20-25 minutes." The first four "likely will be released together in the preseason with a new show scheduled for each week during the season." ESPN VP/Programming & Acquisitions Nick Dawson said KU "will have some control over the content." He added, "This is not meant to put anyone in a difficult position. It’s not a fluff piece at all either. They will touch on some of the more difficult situations depending on how the season plays out. This is not meant to be an investigative piece." The series will be the "first original Big 12 programming on ESPN+" (K.C. STAR, 7/17). In Lawrence, Benton Smith notes a trailer for the series shows KU AD Jeff Long "going through his coaching search after he fired David Beaty this past November." The clip also shows new head coach Les Miles -- "presumably before he was officially hired -- having phone conversations with Long." The trailer also goes on to "feature some spring football segments" (LAWRENCE JOURNAL-WORLD, 7/17).
