After struggling offensively in a crucial game, Penn State is shaking up its coaching staff. Head coach James Franklin revealed Sunday that he has dismissed offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich, who was in his third season in the position. The decision comes after PSU’s 24-15 loss to Michigan at home, where they managed just 238 yards of offense, with 75 of them coming in a late scoring drive when the game was effectively over.
Following Yurcich’s dismissal, running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider and tight ends coach Ty Howle will serve as interim co-offensive coordinators for the remainder of the season.
“We thank Mike for his contributions over the last three years but feel it is in our program’s best interest to make a change at this time. We wish him and his family nothing but the best in the future,” Franklin said.
Penn State began the season with ambitions of winning the Big Ten title and making the College Football Playoff, but fell to 8-2 after the loss to Michigan. While the Nittany Lions started the season 6-0, they suffered a 20-12 defeat to Ohio State and repeated their offensive struggles in the Michigan game, where they finished with just 240 yards and went a disappointing 1-for-16 on third down.
The team’s defense has been stellar, but the offense has consistently lagged behind. Penn State currently ranks 102nd nationally in yards per play (5.12) and dead last out of 133 FBS teams in plays of 20-plus yards, tallying just 25 of them.
Although highly-touted sophomore Drew Allar took over as quarterback, the offense hasn’t improved as expected. Allar has thrown for 1,965 yards with 21 touchdowns and just one interception, but his completion rate stands at 61.6%, and he averages only 6.3 yards per attempt.
Penn State boasts a solid offensive line and talent at running back and tight end, yet the coaching staff has struggled to utilize them effectively. Additionally, the wide receiver corps is mediocre, and Allar hasn’t had many easy throws, especially in the Ohio State and Michigan games.
Despite Franklin’s successful tenure, including winning the Big Ten in 2016, Penn State has consistently fallen short against Ohio State and Michigan. Over the last three seasons, the team has gone 0-6 against these two rivals and holds a 4-16 record overall.
With their national championship and Big Ten title hopes dashed, Penn State prepares to face Rutgers at home before concluding the season against Michigan State in Detroit.
