Syracuse head football coach Dino Babers announced the addition of Mike Schmidt as ‘Cuse’s offensive line coach on Wednesday. Schmidt has been coaching offensive line for over a decade at San Diego State, where he has mentored a unit that has paved the way for one of the nation’s top rushing attacks.
“I’m excited to welcome Mike to the Syracuse football family,” said head coach Dino Babers. “He has proven that he can develop players and I look forward to him bringing his knowledge and skills to our program.”
“I want to thank San Diego State for the last 16 years of great experiences and development, Schmidt said. “I also want to thank Coach Babers for providing me with this great opportunity at Syracuse University.”
Schmidt’s coaching career at San Diego State began 12 years ago, after he graduated from the University. Since he took over as a full-time member of the staff in 2012, San Diego State ranked 15th nationally in yards per carry (5.0), 15th in rushing yards per game (216.9) and tied for 21st nationally in touchdowns (201) over that span.
In his nine seasons as the team’s offensive line coach, 15 different offensive linemen earned All-Mountain West accolades, including six first-team honorees in the past six seasons. Schmidt has also mentored multiple NFL Draft selections, including Nico Siragusa (2017 – Baltimore Ravens), Terry Poole (2015 – Seattle Seahawks) and Keith Ismael (2020 – Washington Football Team)
In 2017, Schmidt’s line paved the way for All-American running back Rashaad Penny to lead the nation in rushing. The year prior, Donnell Pumphrey became the NCAA’s all-time leading rusher with 6,405 yards and the Aztec offense set program records in rushing yards (3,680), rushing touchdowns (34), yards per carry (5.8) and points (493). Under Schmidt’s tutelage that season, Tyler Roemer earned Freshman All-America honors.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].