Northwestern is reportedly prepared to make a quick run at a major FCS assistant to serve as the new offensive coordinator for David Braun.

According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the Wildcats are expected “to move quickly” in hiring South Dakota State OC Zach Lujan. Thamel says Lujan is well-known for being multiple and utilizing shifts on offense to maximize talent.

Lujan played for South Dakota State from 2014-16 before transitioning to a coaching role with the program. He has served as the offensive coordinator for the Jackrabbits since the start of the 2022 season with back-to-back national titles for the program.

While Braun is now the head coach at Northwestern, it would continue a string of FCS assistants heading to join the staff of the Wildcats. Braun himself was a prominent defensive coordinator for North Dakota State prior to joining Northwestern, and defensive line coach Christian Smith also came from South Dakota State last offseason.

As for Braun’s next DC, Northwestern is expected to remain in-house for that hire. According to Thamel, former Wildcat standout and current linebackers coach Tim McGarigle is expected to be promoted to DC.