SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Oct. 21, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) – University of Utah football head coach Kyle Whittingham on Monday announced the promotion of Mike Bajakian from senior offensive analyst and quarterback coach to interim offensive coordinator.
Bajakian replaces Andy Ludwig, who announced his departure from the role Sunday.
“Andy Ludwig, on his own volition, has decided to step down as the offensive coordinator,” Whittingham said at a news conference.
“Andy just felt it was time for the offense to hear a new voice, have new leadership, he was really at a loss for why we were in the situation we were in,” Whittingham said. “He just felt that like a new direction, or at least a new leader would at least provide a spark.”
Whittingham said Bajakian will be offensive coordinator “through the rest of the season. After the season, we’ll evaluate where we are going.”
Whittingham spoke highly of the departing Ludwig.
“I can’t say enough good things about Andy as far as our relationship, what he’s meant to this program. We go way back, 30-plus years. I consider him a close friend and tremendous offensive coordinator. We won a bunch of games together, and championships together. He will be missed, 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.”
Bajakian came to Utah Football this season after working as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Northwestern from 2019-23.
He was a part of two bowl wins during his time at Northwestern — the 2023 Las Vegas Bowl and 2021 Citrus Bowl.
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.
In his second season with the Buccaneers, he saw Winston set single-season franchise records for passing yards and touchdowns, becoming the youngest player to throw for 50 touchdowns in NFL history. Also in 2017, he coached Winston to career bests in completion percentage, yards per attempt and passer rating.
During the 2018 season, Bajakian was on staff to see Tampa Bay lead the NFL with 320.3 passing yards per game with the team wrapping up the season ranked No. 3 in total offense.
He joined the Buccaneers from the University of Tennessee, where he served as the team’s offensive coordinator. He was a part of the coaching staff that helped the Vols to their first bowl game appearance since 2010 and their first bowl victory since 2007, winning the 2015 Taxslayer Bowl.
His other coaching stops include the University of Cincinnati (2010-12, Offensive Coordinator/QBs), Central Michigan (2007-09, Offensive Coordinator/QBs) and the Chicago Bears (2004-06, Offensive Quality Control).
A native of River Vale, New Jersey, Bajakian was an All-New England Small College Athletic Conference and All-ECAC quarterback at Williams College.
