Utah Announces Mike Bajakian Elevated To Offensive Coordinator, What You Need To Know
Oct 21, 2024, 11:35 AM | Updated: 1:48 pm
Kyle Whittingham Utah Football
SALT LAKE CITY – After three consecutive losses on top of season-long struggles, head coach Kyle Whittingham announced that Andy Ludwig has stepped down from his role as offensive coordinator.
On Monday, Whittingham announced that Mike Bajakian will be the interim offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach moving forward.
“Mike Bajakian will be the interim offensive coordinator through the rest of the season,” he stated. “After the season, we’ll evaluate where we are and press forward beyond that depending on what the circumstances are. He’s a very dynamic personality. He’s got a lot of energy and he’s upbeat. I think the players will respond; that’s the hope.”
BIG news for Utah…
Andy Ludwig has resigned and stepped down from his role as offensive coordinator. https://t.co/YDHUtxdUAz
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 21, 2024
With the elevated title, it’s important to remember that Bajakian has not been hired into the role full-time. This is still just an interim status but perhaps an audition to secure the role moving forward. Here’s everything you need to know about Utah’s new playcaller for the 2024 season.
Mike Bajakian’s experience, resume as a coach
Bajakian joined the program as an offensive analyst this offseason. However, following an NCAA rule change this spring, Bajakian was able to assist in on-field coaching at practice and essentially became Utah’s quarterbacks coach.
His resume spans nearly 30 years of coaching quarterbacks, as well as organizing and coordinating offenses:
- Delbarton School (1996–1997)
Quarterbacks coach & passing game coordinator - Rutgers (1998–1999)
Graduate assistant - Sacred Heart (2000)
Quarterbacks coach - Michigan (2000–2001)
Graduate assistant - Central Michigan (2002–2003)
Quarterbacks coach - Chicago Bears (2004–2006)
Offensive quality control coach - Central Michigan (2007–2009)
Offensive coordinator & quarterbacks coach - Cincinnati (2010–2012)
Offensive coordinator & quarterbacks coach - Tennessee (2013–2014)
Offensive coordinator & quarterbacks coach - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2015–2018)
Quarterbacks coach - Boston College (2019)
Offensive coordinator & quarterbacks coach - Northwestern (2020–2023)
Offensive coordinator & quarterbacks coach - Utah (2024-present)
Offensive Analyst
His resume is highlighted by 13 years of offensive coordinator & quarterbacks coach duties, as well as four years as a quarterbacks coach at the NFL level.
He was a part of two bowl wins during his time at Northwestern (2023 Las Vegas Bowl, 2021 Citrus Bowl) with Bajakian guiding Northwestern’s quarterback to earn MVP of the bowl game in 2021. Prior to his time with the Wildcats, he spent a season in the same position at Boston College, leading the Eagles to the top rushing attack in the ACC with the rushing offense also ranking No. 3 in Power Football in 2019.
He also spent four seasons as the quarterbacks coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, coaching Jameis Winston in his first two seasons. In his debut season, Tampa Bay’s offense had a top-five finish in the NFL and the most yards in team history with Winston setting team rookie records for passing yards, passing touchdowns, pass completions and passer rating.
On the road to 𝐇-𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧 🚀
🆚 Houston
🏟️ TDECU Stadium
⏰ SAT 10.26 | 5:00PM MT
📺 ESPN+
📻 ESPN 700 AM / 92.1 FM#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/JS2nHtLzTL— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) October 21, 2024
What did Bajakian’s offenses look like?
Bajakian is an experienced offensive coordinator. He came to Utah after spending the 2020-23 seasons with Northwestern, the 2019 season calling plays for Boston College, and a two-year stint with the Tennessee Vols between 2013 and 2014.
Here’s a general summary of the offensive production:
- 2023 Northwestern Offense: 22.1 PPG, 202.0 Pass Yards/G, 101.9 Rush Yards/G
- 2022 Northwestern Offense: 13.8 PPG, 210.3 Pass Yards/G, 125.0 Rush Yards/G
- 2021 Northwestern Offense: 16.6 PPG, 177.3 Pass Yards/G, 140.9 Rush Yards/G
- 2020 Northwestern Offense: 24.7 PPG, 197.9 Pass Yards/G, 162.7 Rush Yards/G
- 2019 Boston College Offense: 29.0 PPG, 176.0 Pass Yards/G, 253.1 Rush Yards/G
- 2014 Tennessee Offense: 28.9 PPG, 224.2 Pass Yards/G, 146.4 Rush Yards/G
- 2013 Tennessee Offense: 23.8 PPG, 164.9 Pass Yards/G, 188.4 Rush Yards/G
Beyond the numbers, Bajakian’s offenses have been centered in a shotgun spread attack, with pistol formation and under-center stuff mixed in. This isn’t as significant since he will work within the current playbook rather than installing his offense. However, his background will still likely influence his playcalling. There will likely be a shift to more work out of the shotgun formation, which seems more tailored to Wilson’s strengths.
Andy Ludwig, of his own volition, stepped down from his post
Coach Whittingham made it quite clear in his post-game press conference that tough decisions were on the horizon. It seemed the writing was on the wall for Ludwig.
“Andy Ludwig, on his own volition, has decided to step down as the offensive coordinator,” Whittingham said in his weekly press conference. “I can’t say enough good things about Andy as far as our relationship, what he’s meant to this program.”
His tenure ends on a low note but Ludwig’s impact at Utah is undeniably positive. He helped Utah to some of their best seasons in program history. As frustrating as this conclusion is, Ludwig deserves praise and recognition for what he helped Utah accomplish under his watch.
“We won a bunch of games together, and championships together, he will be missed,” Whittingham continued. “He is the consummate professional, and again—a great person and outstanding football coach. He has had a very storied career. We wish him the best in whatever future endeavors he undertakes.”
In his return to Utah in 2019, Ludwig made an instant difference. He maximized quarterback Tyler Huntley, who at one point began a Heisman campaign, and also got the most out of running back Zack Moss that season.
He later guided the offense to two of the most efficient marks in the country between the 2021 and 2022 seasons. With Cam Rising at the helm, a stable of runners, and multiple options in the passing game, the offense was extremely tough to stop.
Again, just an unfortunate conclusion to a rather successful run.
