Quarterback Coach Frank Ponce Out at Miami, Returns to App State

The first coaching domino has fallen at Miami. According to Manny Navarro of The Athletic, quarterback coach, Frank Ponce is set to accept the offensive coordinator position at Appalachian State.

Ponce returned home to South Florida from App State after the hire of head coach Mario Cristobal ahead of the 2022 season. He filled the play-calling role for the Mountaineers in 2021 and was also the co-offensive coordinator from 2013-2018.

App State was top 25 in the country in scoring in his lone season as offensive coordinator. The position opened last week after Kevin Barbay accepted the same position at Mississippi State.

The Miami native was a high school mainstay in South Florida before joining the college coaching ranks. Ponce coached at high school spots like Coral Gables, Miami Northwestern, Miami Central, and Miami High.

The return home did not pan out the way Ponce envisioned. The once high-octane passing attack under Rhett Lashlee fizzled out early under offensive coordinator Josh Gattis and Ponce.

Once a projected first-round pick, quarterback Tyler Van Dyke struggled and was even benched this season before injuries ultimately ended his 2022. Backup quarterbacks Jake Garcia and Jacurri Brown have minimal progression under Ponce as the offense struggles mightily.

This is likely the first of multiple coaching changes at Miami after a 5-7 campaign in Cristobal's first season.

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