The Akron Zips football team announced a promotion allowing one season-ticket holder to serve as the offensive coordinator for the opening drive of their home opener against Robert Morris on September 12. The winner will be selected through a random drawing of current season-ticket holders or new subscribers who sign up before August 19.
Under the promotion titled "Offensive Coordinator of the Game", the selected fan will collaborate directly with head coach Joe Moorhead to script the first offensive series. The initiative aims to provide fans with a behind-the-scenes experience, according to Akron athletic director Dr. Andrew T. Goodrich, who stated the program seeks "new ways to bring our fans closer to the program."
Eligibility and Selection Process
The contest is open exclusively to current season-ticket holders, who will automatically enter a drawing. Additional entries are awarded for each new season-ticket holder referred by an existing holder. The winner will work with Moorhead to develop the play script for the opening drive.
Season Ticket Pricing and Accessibility
Season tickets for Akron’s home games range from $75 to $181, depending on seating. The program emphasized the affordability of participation compared to other FBS programs, framing the promotion as an accessible opportunity for fans.
Team Context and Recent Performance
Akron finished the 2025 season with a 5-7 record, including 3-3 at home. The team averaged 353.5 yards per game and scored 22.3 points per game, ranking fifth and eighth in the MAC, respectively. The home opener against Robert Morris represents the first game of the 2026 season.
Program Goals and Fan Engagement
Moorhead expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "I'm looking forward to collaborating with the season ticket holder who wins this contest." Goodrich added that the promotion provides a "seat at the table" for loyal supporters alongside the coaching staff.
The initiative reflects Akron’s efforts to enhance fan engagement through innovative experiences, though the practical impact on gameplay remains speculative.