After another offensive performance that lacked explosion creativity, leading to a 24-15 loss to Michigan on Saturday, Penn State head coach James Franklin reiterated that the offense must get better.
Not even 24 hours after the defeat, it was announced by Penn State that offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Mike Yurcich was relieved of his duties early Sunday afternoon. Penn State confirmed that Ja’Juan Seider and Ty Howle will take over playcalling duties for the rest of the season.
The firing marks the third offensive coordinator that Franklin has fired in his ten years at State College. The next coordinator will be the sixth to coach under Franklin. Needless to say, this is a pivotal hire and could be Franklin’s last if this hire doesn’t pan out.
Let’s take a look at a very early shortlist (in no particular order) of possible candidates for the Nittany Lions.
Joe Moorhead, Akron head coach
Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Moorhead is an old friend of Happy Valley and an automatic addition to any shortlist. Moorhead was the offensive coordinator for the Nittany Lions for two seasons (2016-2017) and increased the offensive production from 348.5 in 2015 to 432.6 in 2016. The 2016 season ended in a Big Ten championship for Penn State, and after the following season, Sports Illustrated named him the no. 1 rising assistant in college football.
The Pittsburgh native was hired by Mississippi State to become their head coach in November of 2017 and, after a brief stint as Oregon’s offensive coordinator, was named head coach at Akron. He was by far the most successful offensive coordinator under James Franklin and should be one of the first calls.
Sean Lewis, Colorado offensive cooridnator
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Probably my favorite option on the list when you factor in availability, likelihood, and…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/6-offensive-coordinator-candidates-penn-103258958.html
Author : Nittany Lions Wire
Publish date : 2023-11-13 10:32:58
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