Yurcich learning OSU's offense
BY JIMMIE TRAMEL World Sports Writer
Friday, March 08, 2013
3/08/13 at 7:59 AM
New Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich entered a classic if-it's-not-broke-don't-fix-it situation.
The Cowboys ranked no lower than fourth nationally in total offense and scoring each of the past three seasons.
But, as the new offensive boss, Yurcich likely will put his own spin on things, just as former coordinator Todd Monken did when he inherited Dana Holgorsen's system.
Correct?
"Right now, I'm so involved with trying to learn the Oklahoma State offense that I have really not even come close to trying to tweak or adjust or develop the offense," Yurcich said during a meet-the-press teleconference Thursday.
"I want to get involved and learn what these players know and what they've been good at. I'll be honest with you. I don't know where the tweaks will come and when they will come (or) if they will come. The offense is going to be designed around these players and what they can do, but also what we've done in the past. This system will stay intact and it's my duty right now to learn that. That's really been my focus."
Yurcich spent the past two years coordinating record-setting offenses at Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania.
Shippensburg led NCAA Division II in total offense last season and was second in scoring. Yurcich described the offenses at OSU and Shippensburg as very similar.
"We did a few things in the run game that were a little bit different," he said. "But, for the most part, there is a lot of carryover."
The Yurcich hire was announced via Mike Gundy's Twitter account the morning after signing day.
Yurcich said he believes he was first contacted by Gundy, instead of vice versa. Yurcich said contact was made in early February, and he said phone calls led to a job interview and more phone calls.
Gundy and Yurcich had no prior relationship, according to the new coordinator. Asked if they had a mutual friend or if someone perhaps made a recommendation to Gundy, Yurcich said, "It's possible. I've never really asked Coach that, so I don't know that. I'm not sure."
Yurcich said he was "overwhelmed" upon learning that his hard work had paid off in the form of a new position.
Was Yurcich concerned that coming from a lower level would handicap his candidacy for the OSU job?
"I am who I am," he said. "I come from a background that I feel very fortunate to have been a part of. So I can't say that I was looking over my shoulder and was worried about the next guy or candidates with other experiences. That never really crossed my mind, to be honest with you."
Last season, Yurcich coached a quarterback who won the Harlon Hill Trophy, the Division II version of the Heisman Trophy. When spring drills start Monday, he'll tutor three OSU quarterbacks - Wes Lunt, J.W. Walsh and Clint Chelf - who started games in 2012.
Yurcich said he is impressed with the Cowboys' offensive personnel and said he will hold off on quarterback assessments until can see them live.
When asked if he and Gundy have talked about identifying a starting quarterback in the spring, Yurcich said, "I'm not going to make any predeterminations and that sort of thing. We are going to let it all play out and see where we are at that point."
Yurcich said QBs and staffers (and watching film) have helped him learn the offense he will be coordinating.
"I feel like I am on track, and I feel like I am on schedule," he said.
Original Print Headline: Yurcich learning OSU's offense
Jimmie Tramel 918-581-8389
jimmie.tramel@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
New Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich spent the past two years coordinating record-setting offenses at Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania. Shippensburg University/Courtesy
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