Florida Atlantic Eyes Texas Tech OC Zach Kittley for Head Coach Role

Florida Atlantic Zeroes In on Texas Tech OC Zach Kittley for Head Coach Role

Big changes could be on the horizon for Florida Atlantic football, as the program is reportedly targeting Texas Tech offensive coordinator Zach Kittley to become its next head coach. Sources confirmed the news to ESPN on Monday, and if the deal goes through, Kittley would become the youngest head coach in FBS at just 33 years old. Talk about a meteoric rise!

Kittley’s resume is nothing short of impressive, especially for someone so young. He’s been the mastermind behind some of the most explosive passing offenses in college football. During his time as offensive coordinator at Texas Tech, Western Kentucky, and FCS Houston Christian, Kittley has consistently delivered high-powered offenses that light up the scoreboard. This season, the Red Raiders boasted the No. 9 passing offense in FBS, helping them to an 8-4 regular season record. In 2022, they ranked 12th nationally in passing under his guidance. Clearly, Kittley knows how to get the ball moving through the air.

But Kittley’s offensive genius didn’t just start in Lubbock. Before returning to Texas Tech, he spent a season at Western Kentucky, where he orchestrated the No. 1 passing offense and No. 2 scoring offense in FBS. That year, Hilltoppers quarterback Bailey Zappe put up video game-like numbers, throwing for 5,967 yards and 62 touchdowns in just 14 games. Zappe’s incredible season earned him a fourth-round selection by the New England Patriots. If that’s not a testament to Kittley’s ability to develop talent, what is?

FAU’s Struggles Lead to Coaching Shake-Up

Florida Atlantic’s pursuit of Kittley comes on the heels of a disappointing season that saw the program part ways with head coach Tom Herman. Herman, who previously led programs like Texas and Houston, was fired on Nov. 18 after an 0-6 start to AAC play. The Owls finished the season with a dismal 3-9 record, and Herman’s tenure ended with a 6-16 mark in less than two seasons. Clearly, FAU is looking for a fresh start, and Kittley’s offensive pedigree could be just what the program needs to turn things around.

A Kliff Kingsbury Protégé

Kittley’s coaching journey began under the tutelage of Kliff Kingsbury, the former Texas Tech head coach and current NFL offensive coordinator. From 2013 to 2017, Kittley worked his way up the ranks in Lubbock, starting as a student assistant before becoming an assistant quarterbacks coach. During that time, he played a key role in developing none other than Patrick Mahomes, the superstar quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs and a three-time Super Bowl champion. That’s a pretty solid name to have on your coaching resume, wouldn’t you say?

Coaching seems to run in Kittley’s blood. His father, Wes Kittley, is a longtime track and field coach at Texas Tech. Zach Kittley also has an athletic background of his own, having played basketball at Abilene Christian before finishing his degree at Texas Tech. It’s safe to say that sports have always been a central part of his life.

What’s Next for FAU?

While nothing is official yet, Kittley emerging as Florida Atlantic’s top target has already generated plenty of buzz. The news was first reported by On3, and it’s easy to see why FAU would be interested in a young, innovative coach like Kittley. His track record of developing quarterbacks and crafting high-octane offenses could be exactly what the Owls need to compete in the AAC.

Here’s a quick recap of why Kittley is such a hot commodity:

• At Texas Tech, he led the No. 9 passing offense in FBS this season and the No. 12 passing offense in 2022.
• At Western Kentucky, he coached the No. 1 passing offense and No. 2 scoring offense in FBS.
• He helped develop Patrick Mahomes during his time at Texas Tech under Kliff Kingsbury.
• He’s only 33 years old, making him one of the brightest young minds in college football.

For FAU fans, the potential hire of Kittley offers a glimmer of hope after a tough season. If he can bring his offensive magic to Boca Raton, the Owls could be in for an exciting new era. Stay tuned, because this coaching carousel just got a lot more interesting!