Syracuse hires Mike Schmidt as offensive line coach

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) - Syracuse coach Dino Babers made it official Wednesday, announcing the hiring of Mike Schmidt as the team's offensive line coach.

Schmidt comes to Syracuse after nine years coaching the offensive line at his alma mater, San Diego State.

'œHe has proven that he can develop players and I look forward to him bringing his knowledge and skills to our program,'ť Babers said in a statement.

Schmidt became a full-time member of the San Diego State staff in 2012 and four years later the Aztec offense set program records in rushing yards (3,680), rushing touchdowns (34), yards per carry (5.8) and points (493) as Donnell Pumphrey became the NCAA's all-time leading rusher with 6,405 yards. All-American running back Rashaad Penny led the nation in rushing in 2017.

Prior to taking over as offensive line coach at San Diego State, Schmidt was a graduate assistant for two seasons.

As a player from 2005-08, Schmidt went from a walk-on defensive lineman to a scholarship offensive lineman and team captain in his senior season.

The Orange finished 1-10 in 2020 and last in rushing (92 yards per game) in the Atlantic Coast Conference, the only team below 100 yards per game. Syracuse's top two running backs, Abdul Adams and Jarveon Howard, opted out of the season because of the novel coronavirus but are expected back for next season.

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