Akron Zips fan Marty Whims II lived out a dream Saturday, but it ended with a twist. The season-ticket holder won a contest to call the team's opening offensive drive, and for three plays, he looked like a genius. Then, a fumble put a sudden end to his headset time.
Whims, who won the "Offensive Coordinator For A Day" contest, got to script the first four plays from the sideline. His first call gained 12 yards, the second picked up 2, and the third moved the chains for a first down. The fourth, however, saw receiver Marcel Williams haul in a pass only to cough up the ball, ending the drive and Whims' play-calling duties.
Despite the early exit, Whims was all smiles afterward. "It went pretty well," he told reporters. "They moved the ball on pretty much every play." He also admitted the experience gave him a deeper appreciation for the job. "I have a lot more appreciation for what goes into it and the complexity of what goes into it," he said.
The contest itself was a viral sensation, part of Akron's push to sell season tickets. The program, which has endured seven straight losing seasons, saw a surge in sales, moving more than half its tickets in just two weeks. Even Arby's hopped on board as a sponsor, and the buzz caught the attention of fans nationwide.
Whims' day didn't start on the sideline. He was in the locker room for head coach Joe Moorhead's pregame speech and led the team onto the field against FCS opponent Robert Morris. The moment was a far cry from the usual fan experience, and social media ate it up.
Fans on X had plenty to say. "Bro uses coach suggestions and started spamming the triangle button," one joked. Another noted, "I mean he was moving the ball lol." A third summed it up: "If not for a careless fumble that fan was doing a great job as the offensive coordinator. First drive of the game. They had gains of 12 yards, 2 yards, 7 yards. Before a penalty and fumble. They had the defense scrambling around to start the game going with the no-huddle. LOL."
Even Nick Saban got in on the fun, a nod to how the story captured the college football world's imagination. The moment also sparked conversations about player compensation and the evolving role of fans in the sport.
For Whims, the day was a memorable mix of glory and humility. He proved he could move the ball, but also learned that coaching is tougher than it looks. "It went pretty well," he repeated, a grin likely still on his face.
The Zips ultimately fell to Robert Morris, but for one fan, the experience was a win. And as the season rolls on, Akron fans will remember the day one of their own took the mic — even if it was for just four plays.
