Penn State names Joe Moorhead as new Offensive Coordinator
With the prompt firing of former offensive coordinator John Donovan after Penn State’s atrocious Michigan State loss this season (55-16), the entire Penn State Football staff was left with a large void to fill, and they needed to fill it quickly.
The answer to Penn State’s offensive prayers goes by the name of Joe Moorhead, former head coach of New York’s Fordham University. Although a somewhat unorthodox choice, Moorhead brings optimism, drive, and a much-needed fresh outlook to Penn State Football and its offensive line.
A former starting quarterback at Fordham University, Moorhead looks forward to bringing his personal experience and his knowledge of the game to Penn State.
“I am very thrilled to be here at Penn State. This is a tremendous opportunity for myself and my family… I am coming back close to home, and will be able to contribute to a tradition-rich program and help Coach Franklin and Penn State achieve their goals,” said Moorhead in his first press conference this past week. “I am looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work.”
Moorhead, who initially hails from the Pittsburgh area, has 18 years of collegiate coaching experience, and is credited with completely revamping the Fordham football team. When Moorhead became the leader of the Fordham program, the team was 1-10. Within a few years, in 2014, the Fordham rams won the Patriot League Title. Regardless of program size, it takes an incredible leader and a smart coach to accomplish such a great feat. In fact, in 2013, Moorhead led the Rams to their highest ranking in program history at number five.
Moorhead’s offensive numbers at Fordham speak highly of his coaching abilities. This past season, the Rams were second in team passing efficiency (168.30), fourth in passing offense (326.1), and seventh in total offense (494.1). Without delving too deep into Penn State’s numbers… the squad was nowhere close to those impressive stats under Donovan.
Other successes include working as the offensive coordinator for the University of Connecticut, University of Akron, and Georgetown. He had great successes at all three.
After a less-than-perfect season offensively, Moorhead has a lot of work cut out for him. However, he is confident that his coaching philosophy and determination to bring out the best in his players will serve the team well.
“We want the trademarks of our offense to be: dictate the tempo, be aggressive and attacking, we want to control the running game and make explosive plays in the passing game,” noted Moorhead.
Head coach James Franklin is elated at having Moorhead join the Penn State Football family.
“I am excited… I think and I are very comfortable in terms of philosophy, on how we want the offense to go and on what we are doing at Penn State. We are fired up about Joe and his family joining our Penn State family,” said Franklin.
Fans get one more chance to enjoy some Nittany Lion Football with the TaxSlayer Bowl just around the corner on January 2nd. Penn State (7-5, 4-4) takes on Georgia (9-3, 5-3) in what is sure to be one of the toughest bowl games this year. Until then, have a very Penn State holiday and get ready to root for the Lions in their 46th bowl appearance!
The answer to Penn State’s offensive prayers goes by the name of Joe Moorhead, former head coach of New York’s Fordham University. Although a somewhat unorthodox choice, Moorhead brings optimism, drive, and a much-needed fresh outlook to Penn State Football and its offensive line.
A former starting quarterback at Fordham University, Moorhead looks forward to bringing his personal experience and his knowledge of the game to Penn State.
“I am very thrilled to be here at Penn State. This is a tremendous opportunity for myself and my family… I am coming back close to home, and will be able to contribute to a tradition-rich program and help Coach Franklin and Penn State achieve their goals,” said Moorhead in his first press conference this past week. “I am looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work.”
Moorhead, who initially hails from the Pittsburgh area, has 18 years of collegiate coaching experience, and is credited with completely revamping the Fordham football team. When Moorhead became the leader of the Fordham program, the team was 1-10. Within a few years, in 2014, the Fordham rams won the Patriot League Title. Regardless of program size, it takes an incredible leader and a smart coach to accomplish such a great feat. In fact, in 2013, Moorhead led the Rams to their highest ranking in program history at number five.
Moorhead’s offensive numbers at Fordham speak highly of his coaching abilities. This past season, the Rams were second in team passing efficiency (168.30), fourth in passing offense (326.1), and seventh in total offense (494.1). Without delving too deep into Penn State’s numbers… the squad was nowhere close to those impressive stats under Donovan.
Other successes include working as the offensive coordinator for the University of Connecticut, University of Akron, and Georgetown. He had great successes at all three.
After a less-than-perfect season offensively, Moorhead has a lot of work cut out for him. However, he is confident that his coaching philosophy and determination to bring out the best in his players will serve the team well.
“We want the trademarks of our offense to be: dictate the tempo, be aggressive and attacking, we want to control the running game and make explosive plays in the passing game,” noted Moorhead.
Head coach James Franklin is elated at having Moorhead join the Penn State Football family.
“I am excited… I think
Fans get one more chance to enjoy some Nittany Lion Football with the TaxSlayer Bowl just around the corner on January 2nd. Penn State (7-5, 4-4) takes on Georgia (9-3, 5-3) in what is sure to be one of the toughest bowl games this year. Until then, have a very Penn State holiday and get ready to root for the Lions in their 46th bowl appearance!
