WESTERVILLE, Ohio – The Otterbein University football program is officially under new leadership with the hiring of Tommy Zagorski to be its next head coach.

"We are thrilled to have Tommy join us - not only as the leader for the football program, but also as a contributor on the athletic staff and within our entire community," said Connie Richardson, Senior Associate/Interim Athletic Director. "You could see throughout the selection process that his vision, passion, and enthusiasm will ignite the program. I'm very excited for our student-athletes to learn from Tommy at the helm."

Zagorski, 38, begins in early February and has a wealth of experience at multiple levels of football. He most recently spent one season at Gilmour Academy (Gates Mills, Ohio) following a notable career in the college ranks.

"This is a special opportunity to join a place like Otterbein, which has the ability to be cutting edge on so many levels," Zagorski began. "Becoming part of this tradition is humbling. I am grateful to the entire administration and search committee. These are individuals who spent a lot of time vetting through a great candidate pool. They are now trusting me with this football program and I'm blessed to be that person. I enter with a gracious heart… and ready to help our young men soar high."

Zagorski began his coaching career with an eight-year stint at fellow Ohio Athletic Conference school John Carroll University, entering as a graduate assistant and working his way to offensive coordinator under Tom Arth. "Coach Z" also served as Director of Football Operations and Director of Community Outreach, while guiding the offensive line and kickers.

John Carroll went a combined 20-4 over Zagorski's final two seasons in University Heights. He teamed with Arth, defensive coordinator Brandon Staley (now head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers) and many others to reach the NCAA Division III Playoffs both times. The 2014 squad, advancing to the Quarterfinals, lost only a pair of one-possession games to Mount Union and finished No. 5 in the national rankings.

"The OAC is where it all started for me… so it's an incredible feeling to be back competing in the best conference in Division III football." Zagorski continued. "This league is a perennial power with great levels of coaching and talent. Having recruited my entire career in this region, Central Ohio is a place I view with great fondness. This is especially true because it's where my wife is from. We are thankful to return and committed to building a new chapter of success."

Zagorski made a jump to the Division I ranks in 2015, joining Butch Jones' staff at the University of Tennessee as offensive quality control coach. The Volunteers turned in a 9-4 record and dominated Northwestern in the Outback Bowl.

He then transitioned to Eastern Kentucky University (2016-18) and served in roles as assistant head coach, offensive coordinator and tight ends coach. Zagorski ultimately moved back to reunite with Arth at the University of Akron (2018-21), coaching the offensive line before assuming OC responsibilities once again.

Zagorski led Gilmour Academy to a 9-2 record this past fall, dropping a heartbreaking 49-48 contest to Geneva in the first round of the OHSAA playoffs.

"Our first challenge as a team will be to leave everything better than we found it," Zagorski said emphatically. "No matter where I've been, the ability to serve one another remains. I want our players attacking every single day with that mindset and force it to become contagious across campus. Little things during the week help take care of the rest on Saturday."

A Cleveland native, Zagorski attended Benedictine High School before a decorated playing career at Case Western Reserve University. The standout offensive lineman was instrumental in leading CWRU to an 11-1 record and the NCAA Round of 16 as a senior. He became a 3x All-University Athletic Association performer and All-Region pick during his final campaign.

Zagorski graduated from Case Western Reserve in 2007 with a bachelor of arts in sociology, and later earned his master's degree in school counseling from John Carroll in 2011. He and his wife, Analee, have two young children – a daughter (Lenny) and son (Bronko).

----------

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT ZAGORSKI:

"I am so happy for Coach Zagorski. Not only is he a great coach, but he's an even better man. He demands greatness but also understands that football is much more than X's as O's. He values the importance of relationships. This is one of the best men I've ever been around and someone that will command a room every day. Otterbein is lucky to have such a great coach." - Tim Boyle (Chicago Bears Quarterback and former player at EKU) 

----------

"I shared an office with Tom and enjoyed every minute of it. When you think of a college head coach, you want someone who can lead, teach and motivate. Tom can do all those things at the highest level and more. Not only is he a great teacher of the game, he truly believes in developing the whole person… and in doing that creates a special relationship with each player. Tom's passion for the game, plus his ability to connect with players, makes him a perfect fit for Otterbein."  - Chris Shula (Defensive Passing Game Coordinator / Defensive Backs Coach, Los Angeles Rams)

----------

"Tommy is an outstanding leader that injects an unbelievable amount of energy and culture into a program. He puts his heart and soul into the players and their lives. His true love for people sets him apart and that positive, uplifting approach makes kids love playing for him in return. He is a true mentor and I'm very excited for the future of Otterbein Football." – Mark Elder (Head Coach, Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller High School)

----------

"You've hired a head coach who is in the business for the right reasons – he is a developer of men. Tommy is second to none when it comes to relating to others, building meaningful relationships and inspiring young people. His coaching acumen speaks for itself with multiple coordinator stops. In a profession where the moral fiber of the person you hire is overlooked, Otterbein has certainly gotten "one of the good ones." - Greg Meyer (Special Teams Coordinator / Running Backs Coach at Southern Mississippi and former college teammate at CWRU)

----------

"Tommy is not only a quality coach, he is a quality person, communicator, teacher and leader. Otterbein is getting a passionate individual that is driven for success everyday both on and off the field. He will do a great job leading the program in all aspects." – Butch Jones (Head Coach, Arkansas State)

----------

"I couldn't be more proud of my friend... and Otterbein has hit a home run with this hire. I'm excited for people to see how well coached this team will be. Above all, they will play together and with PASSION. Everything Z does, he puts his heart and soul into it. It is only a matter of time before his infectious personality makes a positive impact not only throughout the team, but also the university!" - Kevin Koger (Tight Ends Coach, Los Angeles Chargers)

----------

"Simply put, Tommy is a leader of men. His holistic approach to training and developing young people on/off the football field will make Otterbein proud. The community will quickly feel his passion and drive to build a winning program… and I have no doubt 'Coach Z' will do just that." - Will Redmond (Director of Player Personnel, LSU Football)

----------

"Coach Zagorski is one of the best individuals I have ever met. He develops his players with fundamentals and techniques, but also develops their character just as hard. He is a tireless worker that never cares about who receives credit as long as his players are successful. He believes in Academics, Family, Faith, and Fun through a culture of accountability and togetherness. Tommy is also the best recruiter I have ever met. He will attract elite talent and men of character to Otterbein. They will play for each other and make the school proud. Go Cardinals!" – Kurt Mattix (Defensive Coordinator / LB Coach, San Diego State)

----------

 "Coach Zagorski's accomplishments over the course of his career are impressive, including his proven capacity to build meaningful relationships and a sense of community within his team and beyond. I anticipate that our Cardinal family will be behind him as he aims to maximize the potential of our program and the full educational experience of students." – Dr. Bill Fox (Otterbein Vice President for Student Affairs)