Akron Names Offensive Coordinator of the Game Winner
The University of Akron’s viral promotion crowned Marty Whims II, a longtime Zips season-ticket holder and CFO of Stark Enterprises, as the “Offensive Coordinator of the Game” for the Week 2 opener against Robert Morris. Whims will assist head coach Joe Moorhead in scripting the opening offensive drive, with Moorhead stressing that the arrangement will be respectful and focused on the football game. The promotion generated enormous attention and revenue, helping Akron sell out InfoCision Stadium suites for the first time and driving a surge in season-ticket sales that funded NIL and revenue-sharing programs. Akron officials touted the idea as a public-relations and financial win, drawing millions of social-media views and attracting fans from across the region and beyond. The contest was organized with support from the College of Business and the Daverio School of Accountancy, ensuring a randomized and transparent selection process. Overall, the program reported record engagement and stronger ticketing momentum as a direct result of the campaign.

