While one Pennsylvania school begins its search for an offensive coordinator, another’s search has come to an end. Penn State has named former Fordham Universith head coach, and Pittsburgh native, Joe Moorhead.
The Nittany Lions relieved former offensive coordinator John Donovan of his duties shortly after their regular season finale against Michigan State. Head coach James Franklin wasted little time in competing his search for a new offensive coordinator in Moorhead.
“We completed an exhaustive search of many candidates and his name kept rising to the top,” Franklin stated in a team-issued press release. “Many factors led to this decision. Joe’s makeup as a person and leader is outstanding. He is originally from Pittsburgh and has strong relationships throughout Pennsylvania and the region. He brings invaluable perspective to our staff as a former head coach.”
The former quarterback at Fordham graduated in 1996 with a degree in English before playing professionally in Europe. Prior to being named the head coach at his alma mater in December of 2011, Moorhead held the offensive coordinator position at the University of Connecticut in 2009 and 2010 where they finished second in the Big East in scoring offense and rushing offense.
Moorhead got his start in coaching as a graduate assistant at the University of Pittsburgh in 2000 before coaching stops at Georgetown, Akron and Connecticut.
Taking over a 1-10 team, Moorhead developed an offensive powerhouse at Fordham while the Rams became perennial powers in the FCS Playoffs making them the last three seasons. Under the tutelage of the Central Catholic graduate, the offense of the Rams finished 2015 second in team passing efficiency (168.30), ninth in scoring offense (36.8), 19th in total offense (453.3), 20th in passing offense (272.3), 17th in third down conversion (.456) and 19th in first down offense (262).
“His offensive production as a coordinator and head coach speaks for itself,” Franklin stated.
Moorhead and his wife, Jennifer, have three children, a daughter Kyra (14), and two sons Dylan (12) and Donovan (7).
“My family and I are thrilled to be coming home. It is an unbelievable opportunity to help contribute to a program with a rich tradition and promising future. I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work,” Moorhead said.
Penn State faces Georgia in the TaxSlayer Bowl January 2nd, 2016 at noon. Quarterback coach Ricky Rahne will be calling the plays against the Bulldogs while Moorhead observes and evaluates from the press box.
