FAU names Zach Kittley, 33, as head coach

Florida Atlantic made Zach Kittley the youngest head coach in the FBS by hiring the Texas Tech offensive coordinator to the post.

Kittle, who spent three seasons at Texas Tech, was at the controls of a Red Raiders' offense that ranked 10th in total yards per game (459.9) this season. He also has served as offensive coordinator at Texas Tech, Western Kentucky and Houston Christian.

"Following an extensive search with a tremendous amount of interest from candidates across the country, Zach emerged as the ideal choice to be our next head coach," FAU athletic director Brian White said in a statement. "He is a man of high integrity and character, with an incredible reputation in the profession for player development. Zach is one of the most innovative offensive minds in the game, and I am confident in his ability to build a championship program with an exciting brand of football that can be a source of pride for our fans, our alumni, and the FAU community."

Kittley effectively is replacing Tom Herman, who was fired on Nov. 18 following the team's 0-6 start to American Athletic Conference play. The Owls finished with a 3-9 record overall (1-7 AAC).

"I am thrilled at this opportunity to be the head coach at Florida Atlantic," Kittley said in a statement. "I am extremely grateful. I want to thank Vice President and Director of Athletics Brian White and President Stacy Volnick for believing in me to take over this nationally regarded program. I know we can win here, and we have tremendous leadership from the top down to create a championship program."

Herman finished with a 6-16 record in Boca Raton, Fla.

--Field Level Media