Tommy Zagorski was hired as head coach of the Otterbein Football program in late January, 2023, following a national search.
During his first season, the Cardinals qualified nine players on the Academic All-OAC list for work in the classroom along with three Academic All-District individuals. On the field, a trio of standouts (Randy Cochran Jr., Justin Barlett and Owen Menge) landed All-OAC status with Bartlett going on to land D3football.com All-Region status.
"Coach Z" holds a wealth of experience at multiple levels of football, most recently spending the 2022 season at Gilmour Academy (Gates Mills, Ohio) following a notable career in the college ranks. The Lancers played to a 9-2 record and competed in a wild 49-48 game in the first round of the OHSAA playoffs.
"It's a special opportunity to join a place like Otterbein, which has the ability to be cutting edge on so many levels," Zagorski said. "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 a seven-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 (future 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.
"Our primary 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, live in nearby Galena with their two young children – a daughter (Lenny) and son (Bronko).
