Florida Atlantic Football Welcomes Zach Kittley as New Head Coach

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) has officially announced the hiring of Zach Kittley as their new head coach, aiming to revitalize a football program that has faced consecutive losing seasons. Kittley, who previously served as the offensive coordinator at Texas Tech, is known for his innovative offensive strategies and player development skills.

A Promising Coaching Career

At just 33 years old, Kittley stands out as one of the youngest head coaches in FBS history. During his tenure at Texas Tech, he significantly improved the team's performance, overseeing the 10th-best offense in the nation in 2024 with an average of 459.8 yards per game and 38.6 points per game. Kittley’s coaching credentials began as a student assistant at Texas Tech, rising through the ranks to become a key figure under head coach Joey McGuire.

Before returning to Texas Tech, Kittley made headlines during his time as an offensive coordinator at Western Kentucky, where he led the team to a remarkable offensive ranking. In 2021, quarterback Bailey Zappe broke several records, including FBS season records with 5,967 passing yards and 62 touchdowns. Kittley’s experience shaped his formidable reputation in college football.

The Search for a Leader

FAU Athletic Director Brian White expressed confidence in Kittley, stating, "Following an extensive search with a tremendous amount of interest from candidates across the country, Zach emerged as the ideal choice to be our next head coach. He is a man of high integrity and character, with an incredible reputation for player development."

In his statement, Kittley expressed excitement about the opportunity: "I know we can win here, and we have tremendous leadership from the top down to create a championship program. I’m excited to get to know the student-athletes, build a staff, and engage with our community and supporters."

Kittley takes over from Tom Herman, who was fired after an underwhelming 6-16 record over two seasons. This transition holds significant importance for FAU, as they seek to end a pattern of persistent losing; the Owls finished the recent season on a five-game losing streak.

Challenges Ahead

Kittley has signed a five-year contract worth $6 million, with a base salary that starts at $1 million in the 2025 season, escalating by $100,000 annually. This contract structure reflects FAU's commitment to building a competitive football program focused on growth and success.

In addition to Kittley's exceptional track record, he aims to build a robust support network, engaging with the community and developing relationships with FAU fans and alumni. The school hopes to harness this under Kittley’s guidance to inspire a new era of FAU football.

Conclusion

As FAU embarks on this exciting new chapter under Zach Kittley, the focus is now on transforming the program and restoring its prestige. With Kittley's innovative approach and proven success in building offensive strategies, the FAU community is optimistic about what the future holds, hoping that the new head coach will lead the Owls back to a winning tradition.

With an engaging charisma and demonstrated ability to elevate player performance, Kittley’s arrival may signal a turning point for FAU football, setting the stage for competitive seasons ahead.