How Mike Yurcich Went From Small School Play-Caller to OSU’s Offensive Coordinator

Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich has come a long way from his humble beginnings, from his first job at the University of Saint Francis in Indiana to his current gig with the Cowboys. 247Sports recently wrote a feature article on Yurcich and his journey to OSU.

Yurcich’s journey to Stillwater is the highlight of the feature, but 247 also breaks down how he operates as offensive coordinator, pointing out his animated demeanor and unique expressions that have helped him enjoy success:

 “Cowboy players describe Yurcich’s demeanor in meeting rooms as detailed and intense. They make fun of his Ohio accent, ‘W-ah-ter’, and his favorite phrase featuring a mythical creature: ‘You throw the ball to Washington right here! He’d be running like a banshee for six! What are you doing, Rudolph!?'” [247Sports]

The article also highlights the tense time in Stillwater where the young play-caller was reportedly linked to multiple jobs outside of Stillwater this offseason that included Alabama and Tulane in different capacities. His star pupil, Mason Rudolph, says he was sweating it out at the time reports surfaced.

“I was kind of worried we might lose him there for a second,” Rudolph said. “There was some Tulane interest this offseason and he got coordinating opportunities with both Auburn and Alabama. So that was good and bad for me. … One day he’ll definitely be a head coach, but selfishly I wanted him to at least hang around for my senior year. He just has the leadership qualities, smarts and football IQ to run a program.”

Yurcich, who Mike Gundy hired away from Shippensburg University, is entering his fifth season with play-calling duties on offense. And he’s been able to enjoy a fruitful run at the helm in part because of Mason Rudolph’s sustained success at QB, who is entering his final year of college eligibility. Perhaps bigger opportunities are on the horizon soon for the up-and-coming coordinator, but right now, he’s locked in for what could be a special year in Oklahoma State football history. So he’s soaking up as much as he can under Mike Gundy.

“I think about it a lot,” Yurcich said of a potential move down the road. “When you’re working for a guy like Coach Gundy you’re getting a crash course on how to be a head coach. He communicates well and every person in this program, we all know what the values are and what the culture should be. That’s the most important thing, the communication aspect and the relationships. That’s what makes him great.