BOCA RATON, Fla. — Zach Kittley, the newly appointed head coach of Florida Atlantic University (FAU), recently characterized himself as having a relaxed demeanor during his initial discussions with FAU President Stacy Volnick. However, Volnick feels differently about his personality, which ultimately led to Kittley’s hiring as the head of the Owls football program.
FAU officially welcomed Kittley on Friday, just days after he accepted the role tasked with revitalizing a program that achieved notable success under former coach Lane Kiffin, including two seasons with 11 wins within three years. Since then, however, the team’s performance has significantly declined, as evidenced by a disappointing 3-9 record last season, alongside a 1-7 mark in the American Athletic Conference.
“I felt confident that Zach would mesh well with the culture we’ve developed here,” said Volnick. “During our first meeting, he referred to himself as ‘chill.’ However, I strongly disagree; you exhibit a type-A personality and exude an energy that is anything but laid-back. You are goal-oriented, detail-focused, and very clear about the direction you want to take this program.”
To aid in this rebuilding effort, Kittley has been given a five-year contract. The search for the right candidate spotlighted him as the prime choice, according to FAU athletic director Brian White. “He has a history of winning at every level,” White noted. “Kittley has consistently made a significant impact wherever he has coached.”
Kittley joins FAU after spending three seasons as the offensive coordinator at Texas Tech, where he played a crucial role in the development of NFL star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Now at 33 years old, Kittley is eager to work with the current roster, asserting, “I took this job because of the players. Over the last few days, I have met with our existing team, and I am fully committed to guiding these young athletes.”
He succeeds Tom Herman, who was dismissed two weeks prior, with only two games left in his second season at FAU. Kittley has also held offensive coordinator roles at Houston Baptist and Western Kentucky, returning to Texas Tech—his alma mater—in 2022. Under his guidance, the Red Raiders consistently averaged 435 yards per game over the past three seasons, ranking them 22nd among all Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams.
“I am eager to implement an exciting offensive strategy at FAU,” Kittley said. “We are going to make a significant mark on the scoreboard.” In the previous season, Texas Tech boasted impressive offensive statistics, ranking eighth in yards per play, points per game, and total yards.
“I chose this position because I genuinely want to be here,” Kittley added. “I am deeply honored to be your head football coach. We will establish a winning program and strive for American Athletic Conference championships. Florida Atlantic University is positioned excellently right now, with record enrollment and rising academic prestige, and we will continue to uphold these values throughout my tenure as head coach.”
