Meet Zach Kittley, the youngest head coach in major college football! At just 34, he’s shaking things up at FAU with a high-octane offense and a fascinating backstory that includes Patrick Mahomes and a championship-winning dad. This isn’t your average coaching tale. Can Kittley lead the Owls to new heights with his unconventional approach?
At a mere 34 years old, Zach Kittley has stepped into the demanding role of head coach for Florida Atlantic University’s football program, making him the youngest head coach in major college football this season and setting him apart with his towering 6-foot-7 frame. Kittley’s appointment as **FAU Football** leader is an anomaly, signaling a fresh, unconventional approach to a sport steeped in tradition.
His journey to the top is unique; Kittley never played football beyond high school and candidly admits that his father, a track coach with an astounding number of championship rings, holds the family’s coaching prowess title. Adding to the challenge, this first-time **Head Coach** is also taking on the intricate responsibility of calling FAU’s plays, a dual role that few at his level dare to undertake.
The decision to bring Kittley to Florida Atlantic was a deliberate one by FAU’s athletic director, who in December, recognized the remarkable success of Kittley’s previous offensive schemes. This move highlights a strategic shift for the Owls, betting on a young, innovative mind to transform their program.
Before his return to Texas Tech as offensive coordinator in 2022, Kittley honed his craft with impactful stints in the same role at Houston Baptist and Western Kentucky. His tenure at Texas Tech saw the Red Raiders achieve impressive national rankings, including eighth in yards per play and points per game, tenth in yards per game, and second in plays per game, showcasing his offensive expertise.
There’s no mystery behind **Zach Kittley’s** vision for the Owls: they are poised to play with blistering speed. This philosophy, undoubtedly influenced by his past experience coaching talents like Patrick Mahomes at the college level, is a cornerstone of his offensive strategy, evidenced by the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback’s jersey prominently displayed in Kittley’s Boca Raton office.
The impact of Kittley’s fast-paced **Offensive Schemes** is evident in the numbers. Last season, teams at the FBS level averaged 36 points in wins; FAU, under this new direction, was 3-1 when reaching that benchmark, and struggled significantly with an 0-8 record when they didn’t. As FAU tight end Reid Mikeska noted, the pace is “definitely a little adjustment at first,” but firmly believes it “will hurt the opponents we play more than us, for sure.”
Kittley’s big break came when Kliff Kingsbury, recognizing his talent, brought him on as a student assistant, then a graduate assistant – a path he chose over higher-paying offers – before becoming a quarterbacks coach at Texas Tech. This foundation led to running a high-powered offense at Houston Baptist, and ultimately, the coordinator role at his alma mater, setting the stage for his current opportunity in NCAA Sports.
Beyond the Xs and Os, Kittley’s coaching style is deeply influenced by his father, Wes Kittley, a legendary track coach with over 30 national championships. Zach emphasizes treating his staff well, prioritizing family obligations, and openly expressing care for his players, principles he learned from the “best man I’ve ever known.” These values underpin his leadership as a **College Football** coach.
