Jerry Berndt Resigns As Offensive Coordinator
12/2/1999 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 2, 1999
COLUMBIA, MO. -- Jerry Berndt, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Missouri since 1994, has resigned his position, Head Football Coach Larry Smith announced today.
"In the best interest of all parties involved, I wish to resign my position and pursue other opportunities," Berndt said.
Smith, who is on the road recruiting, said he will immediately begin a search for a successor and that he will also reorganize the offensive coaching staff.
Berndt, a collegiate head coach with 14 years experience at DePauw, Pennsylvania, Rice and Temple, joined Smith at MU when he took over the reins of the Missouri football program in 1994. During his first season with the Tigers, he coached Jeff Handy, the leading passer in Missouri football history.
Then, over the next several years, he re-tooled the Missouri offense to feature the multifaceted talent of quarterback Corby Jones, who led MU to bowl games in 1997 and 1998. From 1996-98, Missouri's rushing attack ranked among the nation's top nine teams, and the Tiger offense established more than 30 school records, including most points scored -- 368 -- in 1997.
Among the offensive weapons Berndt showcased were three of the top four career rushing leaders in Missouri history -- Brock Olivo, Devin West and Jones. During his six-season tenure, two offensive performers earned first-team All-America status (West in 1998 and center Rob Riti this season) and six were first-team All-Big 12.
