Akron Football Reveals Finalists to Serve as OC for 1st Drive of Season Opener

It's usually headline news when an NFL or college football team narrows its list of coaching candidates to a group of finalists.

Akron just did that, although it comes with a bit of a twist.

The Zips revealed the list of finalists for their "Offensive Coordinator of the Game" promotion that will let one season-ticket holder work with head coach Joe Moorhead to script the plays for the home opener against Robert Morris on Sept. 12.

Athletic director Andrew Goodrich called the finalists to break the news:

Notably, one of the finalists is Dan Katz, the co-host of Pardon My Take. He revealed he purchased 18 season tickets to increase his chances at winning the promotion:

Earlier this month, Akron announced the promotion that automatically entered every season-ticket holder into a random drawing for what it described as "the first-ever opportunity to help script the opening drive of the football team's home season opener."

It should be noted the winner will get to work with Moorhead to design the plays and won't have full autonomy. With that in mind, don't expect a fake punt on the first play of the game or an 85-yard field goal attempt.

After all, Akron is still trying to win the game.

"We're always looking for new ways to bring our fans closer to the program," Goodrich said. "This is about giving one of our most loyal supporters a seat at the table, right alongside our coaching staff, on the biggest night of the season."

Akron is coming off a 5-7 season, which was its best mark since the 2017 campaign. A one-game improvement could put it in a bowl game, so the coaching staff will be under slightly more pressure in 2026.

Perhaps the guest offensive coordinator will deliver a touchdown and help set the stage for a bowl season.