By Alex Sorrells / Jambar Contributor
It’s been a busy offseason for Youngstown State University’s football program. Four assistant coaches were hired after losing several staff members following the 2024 season.
The new assistants are Mike Yurcich, Michael Zordich, Chris Parry, wide receivers coach and Justin Heacock, running backs coach.
Yurcich, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, worked at the collegiate level for 25 years. He said creating a bond within the team allows players to rely on each other for better chemistry throughout the season.
“It starts with how we interact with one another and how we communicate — and how our players interact with one another and the bonds that they form,” Yurcich said. “The tighter we become as a team in cohesiveness and togetherness, the tougher we’re going to be to defeat on the field.”
Yurcich said taking time to review the game and work on fundamentals is imperative in preseason.
“This is the time of year where you can really get to break it down to even the smallest minute fundamentals and factors that football is all about,” Yurcich said.
Zordich, cornerbacks coach, said his background playing in the NFL and coaching for teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles and the University of Michigan can bring experience that players will be able to take home.
“The last 15 years or so of coaching, I’ve coached some high-level places … and I’ve learned a lot from players. I’ve learned a lot from different coaches,” Zordich said. “I’m hoping that experience can add to the value of this staff.”
Zordich said he hopes to instill virtues of hard work into the players while they work with the strength coach in these coming months.
“Discipline and being accountable, being able to look in the mirror every day and nothing is given, you got to work for it,” Zordich said. “I hope that can rub off on these guys … I watch our strength staff every day and they’re preaching the same.”
Yurcich said the difficulties that come with coaching a new team mimic the history and characteristics the city of Youngstown has built a reputation on. Yurcich has experience coaching for Pennsylvania State University, The Ohio State University and the University of Texas at Austin.
“Any tremendous opportunity has a lot of obstacles and challenges along the way — which to me — Youngstown State University, it’s about grit here. This town’s about grit,” Yurcich said. “That’s something that I fully embrace and identify with.”
During the offseason, coaches have limited time with players, but Yurcich said they try to make the most out of what they have.
“We have two hours of time that we can be with them and whether it’s workouts, or walk-throughs and meetings. We’re trying to maximize that amount of time right now,” Yurcich said.
Zordich said although last season was difficult with the loss of players through the transfer portal, he has high hopes for the team and is ready to get back on a winning track.
“I’ve only been here about a month, but it’s a good group of guys,” Zordich said. “If we keep them intact, well, we can do some damage.”