Akron named Joe Moorhead its new head football coach on Saturday.

The hiring of the former Oregon offensive coordinator is pending approval by the university’s board of trustees. Moorhead will be formally introduced at a press conference on Thursday in Akron, Ohio.

It’s a homecoming for Moorhead, who was an assistant coach for the Zips from 2004-08. He is a native of Pittsburgh, about two hours from the Akron campus.

“I am humbled and honored to be selected as the next Head Football Coach at The University of Akron,” Moorhead said in a university news release.

“… My family and I are very excited for this opportunity. We can’t wait to get back to a region of the country we consider home. Our plan for the future is simple: we’ll roll up our sleeves and get to work, diligently building a program of which the school, the City of Akron, and the State of Ohio can be proud. Go Zips!”

Moorhead, 48, replaces Tom Arth, who was fired on Nov. 4 after compiling a 3-24 record in three seasons.

The Zips finished the 2021 season at 2-10, including 1-7 in the Mid-American Conference. Akron has not been to a bowl game since 2017, under former coach Terry Bowden.

Moorhead has previous head coaching experience at Mississippi State (14-12 record from 2018-19) and his alma mater, Fordham (38-13 from 2012-15). He has also been the offensive coordinator at Penn State (2016-17) and UConn (2009-11). He joined the Ducks’ coaching staff in 2020.

“We are committed to fielding a championship-caliber football program at The University of Akron and I’m confident we have found the right leader at the right time to make good on that promise,” school president Gary L. Miller said in a release.

“I believe Zips fans have been patient long enough and I have no doubt Joe will deliver winning football consistently to our community, in our world-class stadium, and throughout the season whether at home or on the road. Most importantly, Joe will teach and motivate our student-athletes to be the best version of themselves in the classroom, on the field and out in the Akron community.”

–Field Level Media