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Texas Tech football OC Zach Kittley named new head coach at FAU
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- Texas Tech football OC Zach Kittley named new head coach at FAU
This story has been updated to reflect FAU's official announcement.
After firing defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter on Sunday, the Texas Tech football team will also be in the market for an offensive coordinator in the coming weeks.
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Zach Kittley has been named the new head coach at Florida Atlantic, the school announced Monday night. Pete Nakos of On3 reported earlier Monday that Kittley had been identified as the top target to take over for Tom Herman, who was fired earlier this season after compiling a 6-16 record in less than two years with the Owls.
Nakos' also reported Kittley "was tied to the Oklahoma offensive coordinator search and Rice head coaching job earlier this cycle."
"I am thrilled at this opportunity to be the head coach at Florida Atlantic," Kittley said in the news release. "I am extremely grateful. I want to thank Vice President and Director of Athletics Brian White and President Stacy Volnick for believing in me to take over this nationally-regarded program.
"I know we can win here, and we have tremendous leadership from the top down to create a championship program. I am excited to get to know the student-athletes, build a staff, and get out in the community, and engage our tremendous supporters. My wife, Emily, and my family are excited and can't wait to get to Boca Raton!"
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Kittley helped revitalize the Red Raider offense in 2024 balancing all-America candidate Tahj Brooks at running back along with a slew of receiving weapons for quarterback Behren Morton . With Morton starting all 12 games this season, Texas Tech averaged 459.8 yards and 38.6 points per game, which both rank in the Top 10 nationally.
Like DeRuyter and other notable Tech assistants, Kittley signed an extension with a pay raise following the 2022 season. He is currently under contract through Jan. 31, 2026. He was scheduled to make $850,000 this season and $900,000 for the 2025 campaign.
Language in the contract states that Kittley does not have a buyout if he leaves to become the head coach at an NCAA program or takes a coaching position in the NFL.
Offensive coordinator Zach Kittley of Texas Tech Red Raiders shouts after a touchdown during the first half of the game against the Baylor Bears at Jones AT&T Stadium on October 19, 2024 in Lubbock, Texas.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: FAU hires Texas Tech football OC Zach Kittley as new head coach
