Report: Northwestern moving to hire South Dakota State offensive coordinator Zach Lujan

A fast-rising assistant coach from the FCS is set to make a big move up to the FBS ranks, with Northwestern reportedly moving quickly to hire South Dakota State offensive coordinator Zach Lujan.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported the news.

According to Thamel, “Lujan is known for being multiple on offense and using shifts, motions and formations to maximize talent. He’s grew up in Alaska and played at South Dakota State before starting his coaching career there.”

Thamel also added that Vanderbilt also showed interest in Zach Lujan, a 28-year-old, earlier in this coaching cycle.

Northwestern, of course, is undergoing some significant changes this offseason following the ouster of long-time head coach Pat Fitzgerald over an alleged hazing scandal that rocked the program over the summer.

After a highly successful season on the field this fall, Northwestern decided to promote interim coach David Braun to the permanent head coaching position on Nov. 15. The Wildcats finished the season with an 8-5 record and a Las Vegas Bowl win over a quality Utah squad.

But with some staff turnover this offseason, Braun was looking to shore up his staff.

He’ll turn to the young up-and-comer to do so, with Zach Lujan boasting a nice resume for someone so young.

Lujan currently serves as South Dakota State’s quarterbacks coach in addition to his offensive coordinator duties. He has been in that roles since 2019, having worked with running backs in 2018.

South Dakota State promoted Lujan to offensive coordinator following the 2021 season.

South Dakota State finished with an electric offense in 2023, ranking third in the FCS in scoring at 38.4 points per game. The offense was reasonably well-balanced, too.

The program finished ranked first in passing efficiency, fifth in rushing (230.5 yards per game), sixth in total offense (456.1 yards per game) and 42nd in passing offense (225.6 yards per game).