Zach Kittley, currently the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Texas Tech University, has rapidly made a name for himself in the college football world.
Known for his outstanding ability to develop top-tier quarterbacks, Kittley’s expertise has been shaped by his diverse coaching experiences, notably at Houston Baptist University and Western Kentucky University.
Bringing innovative strategies to Texas Tech, he has significantly lifted the performance of the Red Raiders, an achievement the NCAA recognizes through impressive scoring averages.
Coming from a strong sports-oriented family, Zach is the son of Wes Kittley, Texas Tech’s longtime Director of Track and Field. This deep-rooted connection to athletics has undoubtedly influenced his career.
During his tenure at Houston Baptist, Kittley played a pivotal role in advancing the team’s offensive strategies.
At Western Kentucky, he further honed his skills, helping the team secure notable wins and setting several FBS records.
His leadership at Texas Tech has already generated significant buzz, attracting media attention from outlets like ESPN.
Who Is Zach Kittley?
Zach Kittley is recognized as one of the top minds in college football coaching. He is the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for Texas Tech, known for transforming offenses and developing standout quarterbacks.
Where Did Zach Kittley Grow Up?
Zach Kittley grew up in Lubbock, Texas. Raised in a football-centric community, he gained early exposure to the sport.
His father, Wes Kittley, is the head track and field coach at Texas Tech, which kept Zach around athletics from a young age. The environment in Lubbock fostered his love for football.
Where Did Zach Kittley Play College Football?
Zach Kittley did not play college football. Instead, he focused on a career in coaching from an early age.
He attended college at Texas Tech University and served as a student assistant under then-head coach Kliff Kingsbury. This experience provided him with valuable knowledge and laid the foundation for his future coaching career.
Where Does Zach Kittley Live?
Kittley currently resides in Lubbock, Texas. Returning to his hometown for his coaching role at Texas Tech has allowed him to reconnect with the community.
Living in Lubbock enables him to be close to his family and continue contributing to the athletic programs at Texas Tech.
Who Is Zach Kittley Married To?
Kittley is married to his wife, Emily.
The couple met during their time at Texas Tech and have built their life together in Lubbock. Emily has been supportive of Zach’s career, and they often engage in the local community.
Their strong partnership helps Kittley maintain a work-life balance, especially during the busy football season.
Zach Kittley’s Professional Career
Zach Kittley has developed a reputation as an innovative play-caller and a keen developer of quarterbacks. His career has taken him through various levels of college football, shaping a range of talented players.
What Teams Has Zach Kittley Previously Coached For?
Zach Kittley’s professional journey began with Houston Baptist University.
From 2018 to 2020, he served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. During this period, he played a crucial role in developing Bailey Zappe, who later transferred to Western Kentucky.
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Kittley then moved to Western Kentucky in 2021, continuing as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
Under his guidance, Western Kentucky’s offense became one of the most explosive in college football, with Zappe setting NCAA records.
What Team Is Zach Kittley Currently Coaching For?
As of the 2022 season, Zach Kittley is the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
He returned to Texas Tech, where he had earlier served as a student assistant and graduate assistant.
At Texas Tech, Kittley is responsible for developing quarterbacks like Tyler Shough, Donovan Smith, and Behren Morton.
He is also fine-tuning the team’s Air Raid offense.
Does Zach Kittley Want to Coach in the NFL?
Zach Kittley has expressed interest in potentially coaching at the NFL level, though his current focus remains on college football.
Kittley’s innovative approach and expertise in developing quarterbacks would be valuable assets in the NFL.
What Are Zach Kittley’s Future Prospects?
The future looks promising for Zach Kittley. His track record of developing elite quarterbacks and executing dynamic offensive strategies has placed him on the radar of many top programs.
Given his successes at Western Kentucky and Texas Tech, it’s likely he will continue to climb the coaching ranks.
Kittley could either advance within college football or eventually take his talents to the NFL, particularly if he maintains his current trajectory.
Zach Kittley’s Major Achievements and Awards
Zach Kittley has a series of notable achievements. At Western Kentucky, he played a key role in Bailey Zappe setting the NCAA single-season records for passing yards and touchdowns.
His innovative plays and effective quarterback development have earned him respect in the coaching community.
Under his leadership, Texas Tech’s offense showed significant improvements, illustrating his ability to adapt and succeed at higher levels of competition.
Similar Coaches to Zach Kittley
Several coaches share similarities with Zach Kittley in terms of offensive philosophy and quarterback development.
Coaches like Sonny Cumbie, who also has ties to Texas Tech, and Kliff Kingsbury, known for his innovative Air Raid offense, come to mind.
Both Cumbie and Kingsbury have shown expertise in high-scoring offenses and have helped shape outstanding quarterbacks much like Kittley.
How Does Zach Kittley Handle NIL and the Transfer Portal?
Zach Kittley, the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Texas Tech, expertly navigates the modern challenges of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal to maintain a competitive edge.
He focuses on creating a dynamic and efficient offense while supporting his players’ personal and professional growth.
Zach Kittley and the Transfer Portal
Kittley employs the transfer portal to build a high-scoring offense. He actively seeks players who fit his offensive strategies, ensuring seamless integration.
At Texas Tech, he recruited top talent to boost the Red Raiders’ passing yards per game and total offense.
When Kittley was at Western Kentucky, he attracted top players through the portal, which led to significant improvements in passing touchdowns and scoring.
This experience helps him maintain Texas Tech’s competitive edge in FBS play.
He emphasizes finding players who can quickly adapt to his fast-paced offensive schemes, increasing the team’s points per game and yards per game.
Zach Kittley and NIL Money
Kittley understands the impact of NIL deals on recruiting and player retention.
By supporting his athletes in securing NIL deals, he fosters a team environment where players feel valued.
This approach helps in maintaining a strong team morale and encourages high performance on the field.
He communicates the benefits of playing for Texas Tech, highlighting how NIL opportunities can enhance their college experience.
The integration of NIL money into the program has made Texas Tech an attractive destination for top-tier players looking to maximize their talents and earning potential.
How Much Is Zach Kittley’s Contract For?
Zach Kittley, Texas Tech’s offensive coordinator, has a significant contract reflecting his role and contributions to the team. His compensation includes a base salary and performance incentives.
How Much Does Zach Kittley Make in Salary Per Year?
Zach Kittley earns a substantial annual salary in his role as offensive coordinator for the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
He has a three-year deal worth nearly $2.2 million. Breaking this down, Kittley makes approximately $733,000 per year in base salary.
His contract was established in 2021, reflecting the university’s investment in his coaching capabilities.
How Much Does Zach Kittley Make in Incentives Per Year?
In addition to his base salary, Zach Kittley’s contract includes potential performance-based incentives.
These incentives can significantly boost his earnings depending on the team’s success.
Performance metrics such as overall team performance, offensive stats, and participation in championship games can influence his additional earnings.
Exact figures for incentives aren’t always publicly disclosed, but they are designed to reward successful season outcomes and leadership.
What Is Zach Kittley’s Net Worth?
As of 2024, Zach Kittley’s net worth is estimated to be around $2.2 million. This estimation comes from his reported earnings during his tenure as the offensive coordinator at Texas Tech University.
Kittley signed a three-year deal with Texas Tech. The contract details are as follows:
| Year | Salary |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | $700,000 |
| Year 2 | $730,000 |
| Year 3 | $760,000 |
Before joining Texas Tech, Kittley held similar positions at Houston Baptist University and Western Kentucky University.
His roles at these institutions added to his overall earnings and experience in coaching.
Career Highlights:
- Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Texas Tech University
- Offensive coordinator at Western Kentucky University in 2021
- Offensive coordinator at Houston Baptist University from 2018 to 2020
Zach Kittley is not just known for his salary but also for his influence on the field. His reputation as a top quarterback developer and strategic mind has made him a valuable asset in college football.
For more details, you can check Texas Tech’s official profile on Zach Kittley.
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