Youngstown State football coach Doug Phillips has added four new members to his coaching staff including one who's back for a second time.

"Extremely blessed to be back and certainly want to thank Doug (Phillips) for the opportunity to come back, said Michael Zordich who will coach the cornerbacks.  He  was an assistant in 2014 under Eric Wolford.

Mike Yurcich, Chris Parry and Justin Heacock round out the new coaches.

Yurich spent time at big time programs including Texas, Ohio State & Penn State. He was fired by James Franklin and Nittany Lions as their offensive coordinator during the 2023 season.

"Opportunities  sometimes may look different to some folks but I think this a tremendous challenge and I want to coach football and this is a tremendous opportunity to do both, " said Yurich,

He was out of coaching last season and his wife is a South Range graduate.

While Zordich and Yurcich bring 40 years of experience to the Penguins, Parry and Heacock are just starting their careers.

Heacock is the nephew of former head coach Jon Heacock.

"Its kind of surreal," said the running backs coach. " I was here for practices when I was a little kid and being here is really cool.

Heacock says seeing his uncles name around the football facilities is a cool experience.

Parry is an alum of YSU and spent last season at Slippery Rock where he was the receivers coach.  He'll have the same job with the Penguins.

"I'm fired up to be back and this his home, " said Parry who played high school football at Niles. "I couldn't be more happier and appreciative of Coach Phillips to get back here."

He spent five seasons with the Penguins in a variety of roles with both Coaches Pelini & Phillips.

The new coaches and the rest of the staff get their first look at the Penguins on March 11 the first day of spring practice.