The Penn State Nittany Lions wasted no time following their disappointing offensive showing against Michigan in Week 11, firing offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich. The Nittany Lions put forth a dismal display against the Wolverines and that was preceded by an only uglier showing against Ohio State earlier in the season.
The first step toward fixing a problem, Yurcich is out as offensive coordinator in Happy Valley.
Mike Yurcich Fired as Offensive Coordinator at Penn State
On3 was the first to report the news that Mike Yurcich had been fired. But it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, however.
The Nittany Lions made easy work of their inferior schedule in 2023, working their way toward three 50-plus-point outings. However, against stingy defenses like that of Michigan and Ohio State, the Penn State offense sputtered.
To compete in the Big Ten, you’ve got to be able to take on the top dogs of the Big Ten East, and Yurcich’s offenses couldn’t hang.
Against Ohio State, the Nittany Lions recorded just 15 first downs, but were 1-of-16 on third down. They averaged just 3.5 yards per play in a disastrous showing against the Buckeyes.
They didn’t fare any better against Michigan, though. They recorded 17 first downs, improving to 4-of-14 on third downs, but threw for just 74 total yards while averaging 4.1 yards per play.
Yurcich Career Resume
Yurcich had been with Penn State since the 2021 season, having previously served under the same title at Texas. His previous stops have seen a rapid rise; however, a firing from a major institute should hinder that growth.
- Saint Francis (IN) – Running Backs Coach (1998)
- Saint Francis (IN) – Quarterbacks Coach (2000-2001)
- Saint Francis (IN) – Offensive Coordinator (2002)
- Indiana – Graduate Assistant (2003-2004)
- Edinboro – QB/WR Coach (2005)
- Edinboro – Offensive Coordinator, QB/WR Coach (2006-2010)
- Shippensburg – Offensive Coordinator, Quarterbacks Coach (2011-2012)
- Oklahoma State – Offensive Coordinator, Quarterbacks Coach (2013-2018)
- Ohio State – Pass Game Coordinator, Quarterbacks Coach (2019)
- Texas – Offensive Coordinator, Quarterbacks Coach (2002)
- Penn State – Offensive Coordinator, Quarterbacks Coach (2021-2023)