Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich named in connection with Akron job

Yurcich connected to Akron opening

After the firing of Terry Bowden at Akron, Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich's name has been among those circulating in speculation to fill the vacancy.

In the few days since Bowden was let go, Yurcich's name has been mentioned in stories from the Cleveland Plain Dealer, ESPN and The Athletic as a potential replacement.

Yurcich's OSU offenses have been a mainstay in the top 10 nationally in total yardage, including this season, despite mixed results in the win column.

OSU ranks 10th in the Football Bowl Subdivision in yards per game at 500, 12th in passing offense with 307.9 yards per game and 14th in scoring at 38.8 per game.

Originally from Euclid, Ohio, Yurcich's name is often mentioned in connection with job openings in the Mid-American Conference, including those at Kent State and Toledo in recent years.

With an annual salary of $800,000 at OSU, Yurcich would have to take a pay cut to become a head coach at most schools in the MAC, or other non-Power 5 conferences.

A 247Sports.com report also mentioned Yurcich as a potential candidate to fill Auburn's offensive coordinator vacancy. According to USA Today's database on assistant coaching salaries, former Auburn offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey was earning $1.1 million per year.

OSU assistants' salaries rank third in Big 12

Oklahoma State's total assistant coaching salaries rank behind only Oklahoma and Texas among Big 12 schools, according to the USA Today database for coaching salaries released Wednesday.

OSU assistants rank 25th nationally. Yurcich is tied for 38th among individual assistant coaches nationally and fifth in the Big 12 at $800,000.

The database lists the rest of the OSU assistants' salaries as: defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, $600,000; Joe Bob Clements, defensive line, $420,000; Josh Henson, offensive line, $420,000; Kasey Dunn, receivers, $410,000; Tim Duffie, cornerbacks, $375,000; Dan Hammerschmidt, safeties, $350,000; Jason McEndoo, Cowboy backs, $300,000; John Wozniak, running backs, $275,000; Greg Richmond, defensive line, $200,000.

Extra points

•ESPN announced the broadcasters for OSU's Liberty Bowl game against Missouri at 2:45 p.m. Dec. 31. Clay Matvick will handle play-by-play, with Dan Orlovsky serving as analyst and Paul Carcaterra as the sideline reporter.

•Former Montana head coach Bob Stitt, who served as an OSU offensive analyst this past season, was hired as the offensive coordinator at Texas State. He will be the play-caller for new head coach Jake Spavital, a former OSU assistant.

SCOTT WRIGHT, STAFF WRITER