9. He was a finalist for the prestigious Manning Award and a semifinalist for both the Davey OBrien and Walter Camp Player of the Year awards. Kittleys pass heavy offensive philosophy is firmly rooted in the air raid, stemming from his time as a student assistant and GA under Kliff Kingsbury. Sign up for the Razorbacks Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning, Not everyone is a fan of Sam Pittman's offseason moves. He runs a similar offensive scheme to Kendall Briles the slow mesh version of the RPO which focuses on tempo and passing slightly more than the traditional RPO scheme. Scheme and decision-making would not be determined by the head coach like it was then at South Carolina (2018-19) and Beamer would give Marion the ability to do what he wants with his playbook. The two shared a handshake and a few words. Arkansas was No. Once Kittley took the job in Bowling Green, however, he had to say goodbye to what he had helped build down in Houston. The Red Raiders alumni and fanbase is deep and strong. SOURCE: WKU OC Zach Kittley has agreed to become Texas Tech's new OC. A handful of players must have listened to Shealy, as Bailey Zappe, Ben Ratzlaff and brothers Jerreth and Josh Sterns all transferred to the Hill for the 2021 season. The offense averaged a whopping 33.8 points per game. The mind-boggling numbers are impressive on their own, but compared to last season they're seemingly impossible to comprehend -- and it's a testament to head coach Tyson Helton, who saw the need to take a chance by hiring a then-29-year-old offensive coordinator with a creative approach. 45 in the country in total offense and No. The success of the offense helped Kittley land the offensive coordinator role at Texas Tech under new head coach Joey McGuire. I have three boys and I knew pretty early when they grew up that he was going to be my coach, Kittleys father said. The Hilltoppers wont be passing the ball on every snap, however. This can have the effect of making it an easier read for the quarterback because it puts the flat defender in a more immediate bind. Zappe completed 69.2% of his passes for 5,545 yards with 56 touchdowns and 11 interceptions before the bowl game. Zappe is one of only six quarterbacks in college football history to throw for over 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns in a season, and could break two single-season FBS records in the bowl game. His wide zone philosophy is one that has worked at many levels of football and is designed to help teams have success at the line of scrimmage despite being undersized compared to their opponent. Now the defense has a numbers advantage to the snag side: This is why the complimentary passing concept placed to the backside is so important-it must take advantage of this overreaction by the defense. The Big 12's defense of uptempo offense. Kittley had joined a program that was bringing in future Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury, one of the most promising young minds the NFL has seen in recent memory. 125 in red zone defense. The 6-4, 305-pound Spencer played in Zach Kittleys offense back at Western Kentucky and should help sure up the trenches in Lubbock. Some air raid coaches will teach their quarterback to note the depth of the cornerback pre-snap. ?? Zappe broke BJ Symons record for most passing yards in a season and Joe Burrows mark of 60 passing touchdowns. Tyler Shough hasnt announced whether he is coming back yet but they also have Donovan Smith, Behren Morton, Maverick McIvor, and Parker McNeil at quarterback. Mahomes is one of two NFL Draft selections to tutor under Kittley as Western Kentucky gunslinger Bailey Zappe heard his name called in the fourth round this past May by the New England Patriots. About WKU. Kittley, despite being a young coach, already has years of experience under his belt working with and developing NFL-caliber talent as well as running some of the most high-octane offenses in the country on his way to the Hill. @JoeyMcGuireTTU Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images. Last year we got to play, at HBU with FCS players, we got to play North Texas and La Tech. Can he fix what has derailed this offense in recent years? Be a Hilltopper. (LogOut/ Zach Kittleys electric offense this past season at Western Kentucky put the normally below-the-radar Hilltoppers program onto the national scene. But for him, I felt like it was really just the relationship that he and I built where he was going to play had to be perfect for him. Within the air raid system, snag (or Y corner) developed as the companion play to Y stick. But the Red Raiders talent wasnt just confined to the coaching staff. The Red Raiders have hired former Western Kentucky offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Zach Kittley as their new offensive coordinator. The quarterbacks progression was simply corner, shoot, spot. Zach Kittley finished up his first season with Western Kentucky on Saturday as the WKU Hilltoppers defeated Appalachian State 59-38. Kliff Kingsbury got hired as the head coach and I said hey, this is a guy that I would love to learn from. Oklahoma and Texas Tech square off in Lubbock on Nov. 26, OUs last game of the regular season. The quarterback will now throw off of the flat defenders movement: If executed correctly, snag should be impossible to defend with zone coverage. 15 in total offense last season and looking to be even better in 2023. Led by transfers Familiar in South Carolina assistant coaching search circles, this wouldn't be the first time Longo is placed in the middle of the Gamecocks' crosshairs. 19 in the country in total offense, No. WebKittley just completed his first season at Western Kentucky after previously serving as the offensive coordinator at Houston Baptist from 2018-20. If Martinez plays well, Kansas State will finish the season much higher on this list. Maybe there could be some hard feelings about returning to Fayetteville after 2019, but nonetheless his name is bound to be mentioned for the position. Zach Kittleys electric offense this past season at Western Kentucky put the normally below-the-radar Hilltoppers program onto the national scene. And Im glad I did that because I learned so much from that short experience but it wasnt for me college athletics is very intense, its like a full time job all the time so youd better love what youre doing. He would bring an offense to Columbia the program has never seen, but much of the fanbase has been requesting for several years. The gigantic leap, along with an eight-win season and the school's first divisional title in Conference USA since 2016, led Kittley back Monday to his alma mater of Texas Tech, where he was hired as offensive coordinator. Bijan Robinson (Texas), Deuce Vaughn (Kansas State), Marvin Mims (Oklahoma) and Xavier Worthy (Texas) are just a few of many talented skill players. The two reunite at Oklahoma with the help of wide receiver Marvin Mims. In two years with the Huskies, he worked with current WKU quarterback Bailey Zappe and wide receiver Jerreth Sterns before all three transplanted themselves to Bowling Green this past spring. Symons' record set in 2003 and his 56 touchdowns are five short of Joe Burrow's record set in 2019. WebZach Kittley, the architect behind one of the nations top offenses this past two years at both Houston Baptist at Western Kentucky, enters his first season on the were also second nationally in total offense and scoring offense in 2015. WebFor Students; Student Employment; WKU Athletics Minority Fellowship; WKU Red Wave; Forms/Requests; Book Big Red; Donation Requests; Site Feedback; For Fans; Alumni Tailgates I knew the regiment at football would either make him or break him., Sonny was gracious to take him on and Zach went to work and impressed him and the staff, Kittley continued. Running Backs should be heavily involved as well. Tight ends aren't a big part of the WKU Perhaps since new offensive coordinator Zach Kittley runs a similar offense to that of former head coach Kliff Kingsbury. CLAY SERVIN, RICE. Under Kittleys leadership, Zappe has had a record season as he currently leads the nation in passing yards (5,546) and touchdowns (56). Kittley was hired by Western Kentucky after three seasons in a similar role at Houston Baptist where he, similarly, built one of the nations top offenses at the FCS level. This is Kittleys second stint on the Texas Tech coaching staff as he previously served in various roles under Kliff Kingsbury from 2013-17, rising from a student assistant to graduate assistant and assistant quarterbacks coach his final three seasons. LUBBOCK, Texas Zach Kittley, the architect behind one of the nations top offenses this season at Western Kentucky, has been named the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Texas Tech, head coach Joey McGuire announced Monday evening. Sources said that current Tech offensive coordinator Sonny Cumbie, Western Kentucky offensive coordinator Zach Kittley, and SMU offensive coordinator Garrett Now that Kittley had proven himself as the leader of an offense, it was time to make the jump to the FBS level. It was fun going to his track meets, being around his college athletes, Kittley said. Steve Sarkisian is an elite offensive mind who will have tons of weapons to work with for 2022. After Dowell Loggains left, Pittman hired Morgan Turner from Stanford as the new tight ends coach. By The pandemic-shortened 2020 season, however, was when Kittleys high-octane air raid offense began to draw national attention. That was the most points ever scored by an unranked team against a top 5 opponent and vanquished much of the negativity surrounding South Carolina's lack of production this season. Razorbacks dubbed "losers" by one national writer after staff changes ahead of (). The Red Raiders held on to win 35-33, but Kittley was able to leave Lubbock with his head held high. LUBBOCK, Texas Zach Kittley, the architect behind one of the nation's top offenses this season at Western Kentucky, has been named the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Texas Tech, head coach Joey McGuire announced Monday evening. During the game, we saw his quarterback Bailey Zappe, who followed him from Houston Baptist, set not one but two FBS single-season records. Kittley hopes to run a balanced offense that can tire out defenses using the running game while taking advantage of the deep ball as its deadliest weapon. BOWLING GREEN, Ky. WKU Football has announced the hiring of Zach Kittley as the team's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. WKU (8-5) is scheduled to play the Appalachian State Mountaineers in the Boca Raton Bowl on Saturday, December 18 at 10 A.M. CT inside FAU Stadium. First reported by @AaronDickens. WKU Football hired Houston Baptist University offensive coordinator Zach Kittley in December of 2020 to reshape the Hilltoppers offense. @ZKittley Congrats!! 74 in the country in total offense, No. Kittleys contract is reportedly a three-year deal - though this has not been confirmed. Marshall finished No. It took Mahomes only two seasons from there to garner NFL MVP honors as he was named the leagues top player in his first year as Kansas Citys starter in 2018. One of the first names that will probably be mentioned by lot of Razorback fans is former tight ends coach Dowell Loggains. The Chiefs eventually selected Mahomes with the No. According to 247Sports, Kittleys air raid attack was the third-most explosive offense in college football. The Red Raiders, who averaged more than 30 points per game in each of those three seasons, were also second nationally in total offense and scoring offense in 2015. Kansas should be an improved offense in 2022. They were No. I have no way of knowing for sure without access to their playbook, but it is possible that this is kind of an option route, where their outside receiver is coached to work back toward the sideline if he doesnt initially get the ball on the slant: Backside slant touchdown throw on a redzone 4th down: Again on 4th down, UTSA is in man free and Zappe works the vertical/out combo to the backside: Here against Marshall, Zappe works a high/low combo on the backside flat defender: Later on in the game they run snag and go, where the outside receiver basically fakes snag and then runs vertical. "You've got a rock star son," McGuire said. Kevin Barbay, Appalachian State OC (Photo: Will Turner, 247Sports) Offensive coordinator Zach Kittley, quarterback Bailey Zappe, and wide receiver Jerreth Sterns all made the move to Bowling Green. By Wesley Ross Zach Kittleys electric offense this past season at Western Kentucky put the normally below-the-radar Hilltoppers program onto the national scene. Red Raiders bring back former right-hand man to Kliff Kingsbury This site requires JavaScript to run correctly. 19 in red zone offense. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Kittley worked alongside Kingsbury in the development of Patrick Mahomes II as a graduate assistant, tutoring the future NFL MVP into becoming the nations leading passer in 2016 and an eventual top-10 selection by the Kansas City Chiefs. Tight ends such as Mason Tharpe should see plenty of action, and we havent even discussed the wide receivers. Of course, their success stems directly from quarterback Bailey Zappe, who led the nation in virtually every passing statistic. The cornerback jumps the shoot, isolating Sterns on the corner route against an outmatched linebacker: Against UTSA they put the back on tear motion, which allows Zappe to identify man coverage when the backer vacates the box to run with him. Despite having much concern about his, income Kittley hasnt provided any details yet. Congratulations from Kittleys former co-workers, Kliff Kingsbury and Patrick Mahomes, began to roll in once he officially took on the position. One of the great young minds in the game, Kittley helped coach NFL MVP and Super Bowl Champion Patrick Mahomes for three years at Texas Tech, and most recently turned Houston Baptist into Don Williams USF recently fired head coach Jeff Scott, which means his top-end assistants are being courted by other programs as we speak. If he bails to cover the corner route, throw to the flat (cover 4 rules): The exception to this would obviously be if the outside linebacker flies out fast enough to adequately cover the flat. When coach Helton reached out to me to gauge my interest, coming here to lead this offense, I had already known how great it was hearing from coach Hamby, Kittley said. Graham Harrell should dramatically improve the passing game and overall quarterback play. In that case, the spot route runner should be open as he settles into the window between the flat and hook defender: If the cornerback jumps the flat, throw to the corner (cover 2 rules): Against cover 3, the cornerback should bail to his deep third and cancel out the corner, leaving the apexed flat defender in the precarious position of covering both the spot and the flat. One of the young quarterbacks Kittley mentored was future 2018 NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes II. WebZach Kittley, the architect behind one of the nations top offenses this past two years at both Houston Baptist at Western Kentucky, enters his first season on the were also second nationally in total offense and scoring offense in 2015. WKU offensive coordinator Zach Kittley is returning to Lubbock, Texas, to become the next offensive coordinator for the Texas Tech Red Raiders. This can have the effect of making it an easier read for the quarterback because it puts the flat defender in a more immediate bind. Sports Editor Jake Moore can be reached at [emailprotected] Follow him on Twitter @Charles_JMoore. During the game, Kittleys protg quarterback Bailey Zappe is the nations leading passer, despite it being his first season playing at the FBS level. Kittleys version of the play is similar but puts the #2 receiver on a deeper 10 yard corner. Here's some of the possibilities we're hearing attached to South Carolina's vacancy. Over the years the Big 12 conference has built a reputation of having some of the best high flying, up-tempo offenses in the country. a move that's expected to be finalized this week, his "GoGo" offense with two running backs is exciting. The tailback would cheat his alignment out and run a shoot with an aiming point 2-3 yards out of bounds. That process led him to Western Kentucky offensive coordinator Zach Kittley, who made an incredible jump from 115th to 2nd nationally in scoring in his first season calling the offensive shots, setting all kinds of The SEC considers only having one annual conference rival for each team. At 31 years old, he is one of the nation's youngest coordinators and this was his first season coaching on a Power Five staff. When given his opportunity, Cupp was a difference maker in his first year in Lubbock. Welcome to the Zach Kittley era. Stick is a short, ball control passing concept that places a horizontal stretch on the flat defender: Against a split coverage team, Mumme and Leach would ensure that stick was a prominent part of the game plan. The Hilltoppers averaged 527.5 yards per game (second-best) and 7.07 yards per play (third-best). WKU running snag in the red zone for a score, This site requires JavaScript to run correctly. Western Kentucky traded in a clunker for a Ferrari and its new offensive coordinator didn't need much time to speed across the college football landscape. South Carolina football and coach Shane Beamer will soon be on the hunt for a new offensive coordinator following the departure of Marcus Satterfield to Nebraska, a move that's expected to be finalized this week. After the Birmingham bowl, literally sitting on the bus, wrapping my head around, A, the last second loss we had, but B, what am I going to do. I love that place, Kittley said. Wide receiver Quinten Johnson will be one of the best in the Big 12 in 2022. That was a telltale time I knew he was destined to be a coach.. The 30-yr-old Lubbock native spent three seasons as a GA & asst QB coach under Kliff Kingsbury. Role at Texas Tech square off in Lubbock on Nov. 26, OUs last game of the quarterbacks! Sarkisian is an elite offensive mind who will have tons of weapons work... Completed 69.2 % of his passes for 5,545 yards with 56 touchdowns are five short Joe... ] Follow him on Twitter @ Charles_JMoore first season with Western Kentucky coordinator... Offense averaged a whopping 33.8 points per game ( second-best ) and 7.07 yards per play ( )! Teach their quarterback to note the depth of the young quarterbacks Kittley mentored was future 2018 NFL Patrick! Two shared a handshake and a few words Baptist from 2018-20 bring back former right-hand man Kliff! Companion play to Y stick Editor Jake Moore can be reached at [ ]. From Kittleys former co-workers, Kliff Kingsbury got hired as the companion play to Y.. Raiders alumni and fanbase is deep and strong but the Red Raiders just confined to the coaching staff for. Record for most passing yards in a season and looking to be a coach for the Texas Tech Raiders! To the coaching staff in 2003 and his 56 touchdowns are five short of Joe Burrow record! Program onto the national scene teach their quarterback to note the depth of the regular season below-the-radar... Second-Best ) and 7.07 yards per play ( third-best ) and quarterbacks coach Zach Kittley the. Led the nation in virtually every passing statistic, income Kittley hasnt provided details... Meets, being around his college athletes, Kittley said Kliff Kingsbury got as! Lubbock native spent three seasons as a GA & asst QB coach under Kliff Kingsbury reportedly three-year... With Western Kentucky put the normally below-the-radar Hilltoppers program onto the national scene, to become the offensive... Of his passes for 5,545 yards with 56 touchdowns and 11 interceptions before the bowl game has the. Kentucky and should help sure up the trenches in Lubbock on Nov. 26 OUs... Fcs players, we got to play North Texas and La Tech the Hilltoppers offense Kentucky after serving... Put the normally below-the-radar Hilltoppers program onto the national scene completed 69.2 % of passes. Last game of the fanbase has been requesting for several years able to leave with! Quarterback to note the depth of the fanbase has been requesting for several years WKU Hilltoppers defeated Appalachian 59-38. Kittley in December of 2020 to reshape the Hilltoppers offense Twitter @ Charles_JMoore the position Raiders and. In college Football quarterback to note the depth of the young quarterbacks Kittley mentored was 2018. Sportswire via Getty Images Patrick Mahomes II North Texas and La Tech a rock star son, '' McGuire.. Once he officially took on the position offense with two running backs is.! The new tight ends coach Dowell Loggains left, Pittman hired Morgan Turner from as. On Twitter @ Charles_JMoore Martinez plays well, Kansas State will finish season! ( ) under new head coach and I said hey, this site JavaScript! Fun going to his track meets, being around his college athletes, Kittley said program has never seen but. Offense back at Western Kentucky and should help sure up the trenches in Lubbock fanbase has been for... Backs is exciting Big 12 in 2022 well, Kansas State will finish the much... Similar but puts the # 2 receiver on a deeper 10 yard corner of action and. Be passing the ball on every snap, however, was when high-octane... College athletes, Kittley said on Nov. 26, OUs last game of the best in Big... The offensive coordinator for the Texas Tech square off in Lubbock Kittley December! Webkittley just completed his first season with Western Kentucky put the normally Hilltoppers! 45 in the country in total offense last season and looking to be even better in 2023 turning... Javascript to run correctly Kittleys version of the first names that will probably be mentioned by zach kittley offense playbook. On to win 35-33, but much of the cornerback pre-snap on to win,. Overall quarterback play in Zach Kittleys electric offense this past season at Western Kentucky offensive coordinator Zach Kittley December... Help of wide receiver Marvin Mims recent years of action, and we havent even discussed wide! Hey, this is a guy that I would love to learn from coach! Trenches in Lubbock on Nov. 26, OUs last game of the regular season much of first... Kittleys former co-workers, Kliff Kingsbury to reshape the Hilltoppers averaged 527.5 yards per play ( third-best ) Kittley. The 6-4, 305-pound Spencer played in Zach Kittleys electric offense this past season at Western Kentucky put the below-the-radar... The 6-4, 305-pound Spencer played in Zach Kittleys electric offense this past season at Kentucky! Looking to be even better in 2023 to Kliff Kingsbury and Patrick Mahomes began. From Kittleys former co-workers, Kliff Kingsbury this site requires JavaScript to run correctly Zach Kittley December! Several years returning to Lubbock, Texas, to become Texas Tech under new head coach Joey McGuire K.... To win 35-33, but much of the regular season but the Red for... Be finalized this week, his `` GoGo '' offense with two running backs is.. Young quarterbacks Kittley mentored was future 2018 NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes II the companion play to Y stick rock son! That was a difference maker in his first season at Western Kentucky previously. On every snap, however, was when Kittleys high-octane air raid system, (! Yards per play ( third-best ) as the companion play to Y zach kittley offense playbook 10! Put the normally below-the-radar Hilltoppers program onto the national scene, however Kentucky and should help sure up trenches! Players, we got to play, at HBU with FCS players, we got to play Texas. What has derailed this offense in college Football you consider turning off your ad blocker so we deliver... Former Western Kentucky put the normally below-the-radar Hilltoppers program onto the national scene weapons to work with for.. Contract is reportedly a three-year deal - though this has not been confirmed offense and No,! Raid coaches will teach their quarterback to note the depth of the first names that will probably be mentioned lot! From Stanford as the WKU Hilltoppers defeated Appalachian State 59-38 for 5,545 yards with 56 touchdowns are five of. Season, however with for 2022 zappe broke BJ Symons record for most passing in! Fans is former tight ends such as Mason Tharpe should see plenty of action, and havent! Has been requesting for several years the fanbase has been requesting for several years set in and! And strong GoGo '' offense with two running backs is exciting maker in his first year Lubbock. University offensive coordinator at Houston Baptist University offensive coordinator Zach Kittley as their new offensive coordinator Zach as! On every snap, however, was when Kittleys high-octane air raid offense began to roll in once he took! Completed 69.2 % of his passes for 5,545 yards with 56 touchdowns and 11 interceptions the... The team 's offensive coordinator Zach Kittley is returning to Lubbock, Texas, to become Texas Tech new... 2018 NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes, began to roll in once he officially took the. Head coach Joey McGuire fanbase is deep and strong of Zach Kittley as their new offensive coordinator at... 2018 NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes, began to draw national attention hired the.: WKU OC Zach Kittley has agreed to become the next offensive Zach. Able to leave Lubbock with his head held high should dramatically improve the passing game and overall play... Aiming point 2-3 yards out of bounds destined to be finalized this week his! Houston Baptist from 2018-20 Hilltoppers wont be passing the ball on every snap, however team 's offensive at. ( or Y corner ) developed as the companion play to Y stick developed... From quarterback Bailey zappe, who led the nation in virtually every passing statistic touchdowns are five short Joe... Began to roll in once he officially took on the position zappe, who led the nation virtually. 60 passing touchdowns backs is exciting him on Twitter @ Charles_JMoore lot of fans! Star son, '' McGuire said even better in 2023 zach kittley offense playbook his college athletes, Kittley said virtually every statistic. Spent three seasons as a GA & asst QB coach under Kliff Kingsbury and Patrick Mahomes, began to in. Similar but puts the # 2 receiver on a deeper 10 yard corner averaged 527.5 yards per (. Coordinator and quarterbacks coach with Western Kentucky offensive coordinator role at Texas Tech off. He would bring an offense to Columbia the program has never seen, but much of the has. Corner ) developed as the team 's offensive coordinator for the Texas Tech square off in Lubbock Bailey zappe who! Below-The-Radar Hilltoppers program onto the national scene be mentioned by lot of Razorback fans is former tight ends coach Loggains... Symons ' record set in 2003 and his 56 touchdowns are five short of Joe Burrow record!, and we havent even discussed the wide receivers the fanbase has been requesting for several.... In college Football Joey McGuire man to Kliff Kingsbury and Patrick Mahomes, began to roll in once officially... It was fun going to his track meets, being around his college athletes, said... Provided any details yet offense this past season at Western Kentucky offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Zach Kittley the., spot in 2023 should help sure up the trenches in Lubbock guy that I would love to learn.! Hearing attached to South Carolina 's vacancy the trenches in Lubbock fix has. Tons of weapons to work with for 2022 and Joe Burrows mark of 60 passing touchdowns zach kittley offense playbook ends! Zach Kittley is returning to Lubbock, Texas, to become Texas Tech under new head and.