Former Penn State offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich has found a new home.
Per a report by FootballScoop, Yurcich has been hired by Youngstown State for the offensive coordinator position.
Source: Youngstown State set to add veteran Big Ten and Big 12 coordinator and a former Michigan assistant https://t.co/bz0mxx1O0O via @CoachSamz
— FootballScoop (@FootballScoop) January 7, 2025
Yurcich didnโt coach anywhere in 2024 after being fired by PSU with two games left in the 2023 season.
Additionally, FootballScoop is reporting that another guy with PSU connections is expected to join Youngstown Stateโs staff. Mike Zordichโ who, frankly, is much more popular amongst PSU fans than the other Mike Youngstown Stateโs hiringโ is expected to join the staff. Zordich, a Youngstown native, played safety at PSU from 1982-85 and helped the team win its first national title as a true freshman. His son, also named Mike, played fullback at PSU and was one of the leaders of the 2012 team that saved the program.
YURCICH AT PENN STATE
Penn State Nittany Lions Mike Yurcich November 12, 2022 David Hague/NSN
PSU went 19-4 during Yurcichโs run as offensive coordinator. But there were obvious problems. Although Penn Stateโs record was solid 8-2 through 10 games in 2023, Yurcich had received plenty of criticism for his efforts in Penn Stateโs losses: at Ohio State Oct. 21 and against Michigan at home Nov. 11.
In those two games, Penn State combined for 27 points and three touchdowns. For many, Yurcichโs offense wasnโt doing Manny Diazโs defenseโ which was thought to be right up there with Americaโs bestโ justice.
Ultimately, thatโs what got him fired. Penn State finished out the season with RB coach JaโJuan Seider and tight ends coach Ty Howle as interim coordinators. Then, they hired Andy Kotelnicki as the full-time guy.
BACK TO POWER 4?
Yurcich is still relatively young at 49 and has been a coordinator at Oklahoma State, Ohio State, PSU and Texas. Odds are, heโll end up in the Power 4 again. But we shall see.
No. 6 PSU takes on No. 7 Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl/College Football Playoff semifinal Thursday, Jan. 9 at 7:30 on ESPN.
