Football
Lynch, Mike
Mike Lynch
- Title:
- Co-Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line
- Email:
- milynch@syr.edu
- Phone:
- 4817
A versatile coach who has taught every position on offense, Mike Lynch spent eight seasons at Syracuse, including six with the running backs (2018-23). In addition to tutoring the team’s ball carriers, Lynch was Syracuse’s offensive coordinator from 2018-2019. He served as the Orange’s co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach in 2016 and 2017.
Overall, Lynch spent 12 seasons working with Dino Babers.
In his final year at Syracuse, running back LeQuint Allen earned Second-Team All-ACC honors at running back. The third-straight season that Lynch mentored the Orange's starting running back to all-conference honors. He finished the year with 1,064 rushing yards, the third-straight season that 'Cuse has seen a back go over 1,000 yards. Doing so in three-straight seasons has only happened four times in school history. Allen also led the team with 38 receptions in 2023.
Another of Lynch's recent protegees, record-breaking running back Sean Tucker, concluded his three-year career as one of the most prolific backs in program history in 2022. Following shattering the single-season rushing mark in 2021, Tucker followed it up with another 1,000-yard season in 2022, becoming the first player in program history to rush for over 1,000 yards and have over 250 receiving yards in back-to-back seasons. He finished his career with the third-most rushing yards in program history (3,182), despite only playing three seasons. He was a two-time All-ACC selection.
Tucker shattered a 40-year old rushing record en route to First Team All-America honors in 2021. As a team, Syracuse totaled the fifth-most rushing yards in a single season in program history (2,562), but it was Tucker who posted the most productive season by an SU back ever. A semifinalist for both the Doak Walker and Maxwell Awards, Tucker posted the fourth-most rushing yards per game in the country (124.7) and eclipsed Joe Morris’ 42-year old rushing record to finish with 1,496 yards. He also finished third nationally in yards from scrimmage (1,751) and scored 14 total touchdowns. He was the top vote getter on offense for the All-ACC Team. This came on the heels of a breakout rookie season in 2020 in which Tucker became the third Syracuse freshman to post multiple 100-yard ground games and his 626 yards rushing represented the third-best total by an first-year Orange performer.
In his first year as sole offensive coordinator, Lynch directed a 2018 Syracuse attack that propelled the program to its first double-digit win season in 17 years and the No. 15 final ranking in the Associated Press Top 25 and Amway Coaches polls. Behind record-setting quarterback Eric Dungey, the Orange ranked 11th nationally in scoring (40.2 ppg) and set the school records for season plays (1,063) and points (523). The Orange tied the program mark with 62 total touchdowns, including a record 38 rushing scores. After the season, Lynch pupil Dontae Strickland signed as a free agent with the Arizona Cardinals.
In 2019, Syracuse tallied 30+ points five times and averaged 40.7 points per contest over the final three games of the season. The Orange were among the best at taking care of the football in the passing game, finishing second in the ACC for the fewest passes had intercepted (7). Running back Moe Neal was Syracuse’s leading rusher for the second straight year and completed his career ninth in program history with 2,560 rushing yards.
When Lynch first arrived in Central New York, he served as the Orange’s co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach for two seasons. During that time, he laid the foundation for the program’s breakout 2018 campaign. In 2017, the Orange were third in the ACC in total offense (456.3 ypg) and second in passing (294.8 ypg). Lynch’s work with the offensive line paved the way for four 500+ yard total offense games. Offensive tackle Jamar McGloster, now a member of the CFL’s Ottawa Redblacks, signed a free-agent contract with the San Francisco 49ers after the season.
Lynch’s first year at Syracuse in 2016 marked the dawn of a new era for the program. The transition from a run-based scheme to the up-tempo spread favored by Babers resulted in more than 40 school records being set. Among them were new season standards for completions (332) and passing yards (3,855). The play of Lynch’s unit was critical to the production. The Orange front five protected a collection of quarterbacks who ranked 11th nationally in passing at 321.3 yards per game. Â
Lynch came to Syracuse after helping run one of the most explosive offenses in college football at Bowling Green. As the co-offensive coordinator, as well as the offensive line and running backs coach for the Falcons in 2015, Bowling Green ranked in the top 10 nationally in first downs (1st - 389), total offense (4th - 546.8 ypg), passing offense (5th - 366.8 ypg), third-down conversion percentage (5th - .502) and scoring offense (6th - 42.2 ppg). The unit powered the Falcons to the Mid-American Conference (MAC) title and an appearance in the 2015 GoDaddy Bowl.Â
Lynch’s tutelage helped produce seven 2015 All-MAC selections on offense, including linemen Alex Huettel (second team), Jacob Bennett (second team) and running back Travis Greene (first team). Huettel earned All-America honors from Phil Steele and was selected to participate in the 2016 East-West Shrine Bowl.
Before adding co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach to his duties, Lynch served as Bowling Green’s running backs coach in 2014. That season, he mentored the trio of Greene, Fred Coppet and Andre Givens. The threesome combined for 2,192 yards and 26 touchdowns on the ground to help the Falcons capture the MAC East Division crown and win the inaugural Raycom Media Camellia Bowl.
Prior to his stint at Bowling Green, Lynch was an assistant coach from 2005-13 at Eastern Illinois. He spent his final two years at EIU as the running backs coach under Babers and coached two 1,000-yard rushers. All-Ohio Valley Conference honoree Jake Walker ran for 1,133 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2012. The following season, Shepard Little was named to the All-OVC First Team after rushing for 1,551 yards and 15 scores.
Most of Lynch’s first six years at EIU were spent coaching the wide receivers. While in that position, he guided the career of 2006 All-American Micah Rucker and led several productive units, including a 2011 Panther receiving corps that accounted for 20 of the team’s 34 touchdowns.
Lynch got his first taste of coaching in 1999 as a restricted earnings coach at Montana. After a year with the Grizzlies, Lynch spent five seasons at Utah State. While with the Aggies, he coached three tight ends who signed with NFL teams. Chris Cooley, a two-time Pro Bowler, was the third-round selection of the Washington Redskins in the 2003 NFL Draft, while J.R. Suguturaga (Miami Dolphins) and Casey Poppinga (Pittsburgh Steelers) both signed free-agent contracts.
A Roseville, California native, Lynch was an offensive lineman for Sierra Junior College before finishing his collegiate career at Montana in 1997 and 1998. The Grizzlies combined to win 16 games with Lynch on the roster and reached the Divsion I-AA (now FCS) playoffs both seasons.
Lynch holds a bachelor’s degree from Montana and a master’s degree in secondary education from Utah State. He married the former Emily Schilling in June 2011. The couple has two children – Madison and Will.
THE LYNCH FILE
Experience:Â 25 seasons/8 at Syracuse
Hometown:Â Roseville, Calif.
Alma Mater:Â Montana '00
Family:Â wife, Emily; daughter, Madison; son, Will
PLAYING EXPERIENCE
Sierra Junior College (1994-95)
Montana (1997-98)
Â
POSTSEASON COACHING EXPERIENCE
1999 Division I-AA Playoffs (First Round)
2005 Division I-AA Playoffs (First Round)
2006 FCS Playoffs (First Round)
2007 FCS Playoffs (First Round)
2009 FCS Playoffs (First Round)
2012 FCS Playoffs (First Round)
2013 FCS Playoffs (Quarterfinals)
2014 Camellia Bowl
2015 GoDaddy Bowl
2018 Camping World Bowl
2022 Pinstripe Bowl
2023 Boca Raton Bowl
PROMINENT PLAYERS COACHED
Montana
Dallas Neil (Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets)
Utah State
J.R. Suguturaga (Miami Dolphins)
Casey Poppinga (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Chris Cooley (Washington Redskins)
Eastern Illinois
Micah Rucker (Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants)
Bowling Green
Travis Greene (Washington Redskins)
Alex Huettel (2015 All-American)
Syracuse
Evan Adams (Baltimore Ravens)
Cody Conway (Tennessee Titans, Green Bay Packers)
Jamar McGloster (San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers, Oakland Raiders, Winnipeg Blue Bombers - CFL, Ottawa Redblacks - CFL)
Dontae Strickland (Arizona Cardinals)
Sean Tucker (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Overall, Lynch spent 12 seasons working with Dino Babers.
In his final year at Syracuse, running back LeQuint Allen earned Second-Team All-ACC honors at running back. The third-straight season that Lynch mentored the Orange's starting running back to all-conference honors. He finished the year with 1,064 rushing yards, the third-straight season that 'Cuse has seen a back go over 1,000 yards. Doing so in three-straight seasons has only happened four times in school history. Allen also led the team with 38 receptions in 2023.
Another of Lynch's recent protegees, record-breaking running back Sean Tucker, concluded his three-year career as one of the most prolific backs in program history in 2022. Following shattering the single-season rushing mark in 2021, Tucker followed it up with another 1,000-yard season in 2022, becoming the first player in program history to rush for over 1,000 yards and have over 250 receiving yards in back-to-back seasons. He finished his career with the third-most rushing yards in program history (3,182), despite only playing three seasons. He was a two-time All-ACC selection.
Tucker shattered a 40-year old rushing record en route to First Team All-America honors in 2021. As a team, Syracuse totaled the fifth-most rushing yards in a single season in program history (2,562), but it was Tucker who posted the most productive season by an SU back ever. A semifinalist for both the Doak Walker and Maxwell Awards, Tucker posted the fourth-most rushing yards per game in the country (124.7) and eclipsed Joe Morris’ 42-year old rushing record to finish with 1,496 yards. He also finished third nationally in yards from scrimmage (1,751) and scored 14 total touchdowns. He was the top vote getter on offense for the All-ACC Team. This came on the heels of a breakout rookie season in 2020 in which Tucker became the third Syracuse freshman to post multiple 100-yard ground games and his 626 yards rushing represented the third-best total by an first-year Orange performer.
In his first year as sole offensive coordinator, Lynch directed a 2018 Syracuse attack that propelled the program to its first double-digit win season in 17 years and the No. 15 final ranking in the Associated Press Top 25 and Amway Coaches polls. Behind record-setting quarterback Eric Dungey, the Orange ranked 11th nationally in scoring (40.2 ppg) and set the school records for season plays (1,063) and points (523). The Orange tied the program mark with 62 total touchdowns, including a record 38 rushing scores. After the season, Lynch pupil Dontae Strickland signed as a free agent with the Arizona Cardinals.
In 2019, Syracuse tallied 30+ points five times and averaged 40.7 points per contest over the final three games of the season. The Orange were among the best at taking care of the football in the passing game, finishing second in the ACC for the fewest passes had intercepted (7). Running back Moe Neal was Syracuse’s leading rusher for the second straight year and completed his career ninth in program history with 2,560 rushing yards.
When Lynch first arrived in Central New York, he served as the Orange’s co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach for two seasons. During that time, he laid the foundation for the program’s breakout 2018 campaign. In 2017, the Orange were third in the ACC in total offense (456.3 ypg) and second in passing (294.8 ypg). Lynch’s work with the offensive line paved the way for four 500+ yard total offense games. Offensive tackle Jamar McGloster, now a member of the CFL’s Ottawa Redblacks, signed a free-agent contract with the San Francisco 49ers after the season.
Lynch’s first year at Syracuse in 2016 marked the dawn of a new era for the program. The transition from a run-based scheme to the up-tempo spread favored by Babers resulted in more than 40 school records being set. Among them were new season standards for completions (332) and passing yards (3,855). The play of Lynch’s unit was critical to the production. The Orange front five protected a collection of quarterbacks who ranked 11th nationally in passing at 321.3 yards per game. Â
Lynch came to Syracuse after helping run one of the most explosive offenses in college football at Bowling Green. As the co-offensive coordinator, as well as the offensive line and running backs coach for the Falcons in 2015, Bowling Green ranked in the top 10 nationally in first downs (1st - 389), total offense (4th - 546.8 ypg), passing offense (5th - 366.8 ypg), third-down conversion percentage (5th - .502) and scoring offense (6th - 42.2 ppg). The unit powered the Falcons to the Mid-American Conference (MAC) title and an appearance in the 2015 GoDaddy Bowl.Â
Lynch’s tutelage helped produce seven 2015 All-MAC selections on offense, including linemen Alex Huettel (second team), Jacob Bennett (second team) and running back Travis Greene (first team). Huettel earned All-America honors from Phil Steele and was selected to participate in the 2016 East-West Shrine Bowl.
Before adding co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach to his duties, Lynch served as Bowling Green’s running backs coach in 2014. That season, he mentored the trio of Greene, Fred Coppet and Andre Givens. The threesome combined for 2,192 yards and 26 touchdowns on the ground to help the Falcons capture the MAC East Division crown and win the inaugural Raycom Media Camellia Bowl.
Prior to his stint at Bowling Green, Lynch was an assistant coach from 2005-13 at Eastern Illinois. He spent his final two years at EIU as the running backs coach under Babers and coached two 1,000-yard rushers. All-Ohio Valley Conference honoree Jake Walker ran for 1,133 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2012. The following season, Shepard Little was named to the All-OVC First Team after rushing for 1,551 yards and 15 scores.
Most of Lynch’s first six years at EIU were spent coaching the wide receivers. While in that position, he guided the career of 2006 All-American Micah Rucker and led several productive units, including a 2011 Panther receiving corps that accounted for 20 of the team’s 34 touchdowns.
Lynch got his first taste of coaching in 1999 as a restricted earnings coach at Montana. After a year with the Grizzlies, Lynch spent five seasons at Utah State. While with the Aggies, he coached three tight ends who signed with NFL teams. Chris Cooley, a two-time Pro Bowler, was the third-round selection of the Washington Redskins in the 2003 NFL Draft, while J.R. Suguturaga (Miami Dolphins) and Casey Poppinga (Pittsburgh Steelers) both signed free-agent contracts.
A Roseville, California native, Lynch was an offensive lineman for Sierra Junior College before finishing his collegiate career at Montana in 1997 and 1998. The Grizzlies combined to win 16 games with Lynch on the roster and reached the Divsion I-AA (now FCS) playoffs both seasons.
Lynch holds a bachelor’s degree from Montana and a master’s degree in secondary education from Utah State. He married the former Emily Schilling in June 2011. The couple has two children – Madison and Will.
THE LYNCH FILE
Experience:Â 25 seasons/8 at Syracuse
Hometown:Â Roseville, Calif.
Alma Mater:Â Montana '00
Family:Â wife, Emily; daughter, Madison; son, Will
PLAYING EXPERIENCE
Sierra Junior College (1994-95)
Montana (1997-98)
Â
| COACHING LEDGER | ||
| Years | School | Position |
| 1999 | Montana | Tight Ends |
| 2000-01 | Utah State | Graduate Assistant |
| 2002-04 | Utah State | Tight Ends |
| 2005 | Eastern Illinois | Tight Ends |
| 2006-11 | Eastern Illinois | Wide Receivers |
| 2012-13 | Eastern Illinois | Running Backs |
| 2014 | Bowling Green | Running Backs |
| 2015 | Bowling Green | Co-Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line/Running Backs |
| 2016-17 | Syracuse | Co-Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line |
| 2018-19 | Syracuse | Offensive Coordinator/Running Backs |
| 2020-23 | Syracuse | Running Backs |
POSTSEASON COACHING EXPERIENCE
1999 Division I-AA Playoffs (First Round)
2005 Division I-AA Playoffs (First Round)
2006 FCS Playoffs (First Round)
2007 FCS Playoffs (First Round)
2009 FCS Playoffs (First Round)
2012 FCS Playoffs (First Round)
2013 FCS Playoffs (Quarterfinals)
2014 Camellia Bowl
2015 GoDaddy Bowl
2018 Camping World Bowl
2022 Pinstripe Bowl
2023 Boca Raton Bowl
PROMINENT PLAYERS COACHED
Montana
Dallas Neil (Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets)
Utah State
J.R. Suguturaga (Miami Dolphins)
Casey Poppinga (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Chris Cooley (Washington Redskins)
Eastern Illinois
Micah Rucker (Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants)
Bowling Green
Travis Greene (Washington Redskins)
Alex Huettel (2015 All-American)
Syracuse
Evan Adams (Baltimore Ravens)
Cody Conway (Tennessee Titans, Green Bay Packers)
Jamar McGloster (San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers, Oakland Raiders, Winnipeg Blue Bombers - CFL, Ottawa Redblacks - CFL)
Dontae Strickland (Arizona Cardinals)
Sean Tucker (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Fran Brown Press Conference | Week 3 vs. Colgate
Monday, September 08
Fran Brown Press Conference
Monday, September 08
Fran Brown Postgame Press Conference
Saturday, September 06
Players Postgame vs. UConn
Saturday, September 06
