Report: Syracuse to hire SDSU coach Mike Schmidt as offensive line coach

The Syracuse Orange have been looking for a new offensive line coach to slot in since former coach Mike Cavanaugh took a position with the Arizona State Sun Devils. Per Pete Thamel, it seems the Orange have their man, in current San Diego State Aztecs coach Mike Schmidt.

Schmidt comes to the Orange with a good deal of experience, most of it in Southern California. He has been the offensive line coach of the Aztecs for the last eight seasons, leading them to become one of the top rushing attacks in the country, 15th in both yards per carry (5.0) and rushing yards per game (216.9) since he joined their staff. According to the good folks over at PFF.com, Schmidt coached the Aztecs up to the 24th ranked offensive line in the country last season, a lofty spot for a G5 unit. For the record, Syracuse had the 113th ranked line in the country and the worst in the ACC.

After a career with the Aztecs, from walk on defensive lineman to captain as an offensive lineman, Schmidt immediately joined their staff as a student assistant, then grad assistant. He joined the staff as the offensive line coach in 2012 and since then has developed numerous quality offensive linemen, including multiple NFL prospects. Terry Poole (2014), Nico Siragusa (2016) and Keith Ishmael (2020) were all drafted under his watch. He also has consistently coached a unit that has blocked for multiple 1,000 yard rushers and All-American running back Rashaad Penny. Schmidt brings with him a good deal of experience and a track record of consistent success from the Aztecs and should be a solid addition to the staff.