Storyline Countdown No. 10: Why Is Mike Yurcich Not More Beloved in Stillwater?

PFB’s countdown to football season by counting down the 15 most intriguing storylines continues today with a look at the No. 10 storyline we’re tracking going into 2018.

Storyline rank: No. 10
Storyline: Why Is Mike Yurcich Not More Beloved in Stillwater?

Why this matters: This is more than likely either Mike Yurcich’s last year or one of his last few as the offensive coordinator in Stillwater, USA. I know his exit will be met with private (possibly online-only) ticker-tape parades by some, but I’m fascinated by the idea that one of the most more cutting-edge offensive minds in the country is reviled by some of his own fan base (maybe it is a universal concept that all fan bases hate their coordinators, maybe not, but it intrigues me regardless).

How it could play out: I don’t think the fault lines on Yurcich are going to change in 2018. Sure, there might be a few converts if Yurcich guides a Cornball Baron offense to No. 6 in the country in points per drive, but perception is reality in sports, and for whatever reason, the perception of Yurcich is a very divided one among OSU fans that I don’t really see evolving in 2018.

Mike Gundy’s thoughts: Gundy praised Mike Y. at Stillwater Media Days earlier in August.

“Mike has been tremendous for us,” said Gundy. “He’s going to be a head coach. It’s just a matter of time. It’s certainly better for us if he’s here, but I also want him to get the job that he wants.

“He’s worked extremely hard and been very loyal to Oklahoma State football. It’ll be and exciting time for him and his family. He’s got young kids. I guess maybe you’re asking how much longer can we keep him here. I don’t know that anybody knows that, but he’s very capable of being a head coach at this time, in my opinion.”

My thoughts: My opinions here are pretty well documented. Yurcich is a great offensive coordinator who sometimes makes bad calls at the worst times (See: 2017, TCU). He just guided OSU to its most efficient offensive season ever (or since we have been keeping track of such things but really the only challenger is 1988) and has fielded top 25 offenses in points per drive in three of his five seasons in Stillwater. Only three teams have had more top 25 offenses in that time, and two were Navy and Toledo.

Top 25 offenses from 2013-17

The “but he’s only great with a great quarterback” doesn’t hold much weight in my corner because 1. Yeah, so is everyone and 2. He’s recruited great QBs. The bigger issue, I think, is that he doesn’t have anything he’s really known for. For Dana it was slamming energy energy drinks and his frazzled skullet splayed all over televisions across the country when his offense didn’t find the end zone. For Monken it was the being the best quote in the state for two straight years.

Yurcich is low-key funny, but he’s never really had a schtick, a calling card — unless you count a loose connection to Full House a schtick or a calling card. Assistant coaches (and sometimes head coaches) are known for their schticks, statistical evidence be damned (!), and this has probably always worked against Mike Y. That, and double passes in critical moments with Big 12 titles in the balance.

It’s unfortunate, too, because while Dana and Monk were great, easily meme-able offensive coordinators who went on to bigger and better jobs, Yurcich has been just as good at his job or even better. I’m just not sure many people will ever realize it.

Previous Countdowns

No. 15: How will OSU use all its running backs in 2018?
No. 14: Will Rodarius Williams and A.J. Green have to play as much as they did in 2017?
No. 13: Is Tyron Johnson the X-Factor for OSU?
No. 12: Which Cowboy Back Will Emerge for OSU?
No. 11: How does a reloading year shape expectations?