E-mail:
mgmorita@vuu.edu
In January of 2022, Mike Morita added the title of Associate Head Coach to his offensive coordinator and offensive line duties. In his just his second season coordinating the Panther offense, Morita produced the top scoring offense in the CIAA averaging 40.5 points per game, good enough for 6th best in the nation. The VUU offense led the CIAA in rushing with 221.5 yards per game and produced the nation’s leading rusher, Harlon Hill finalist Jada Byers, who rushed for 1,920 yards on the season. The Panthers’ balanced attack led the conference in both rushing touchdowns (33) as well as passing touchdowns (22) and saw five members of the offense collect postseason all-conference honors.
In December of 2021 following his first season as offensive coordinator, Morita was named the NCAA Division 2 National Assistant Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association. Morita originally came to Virginia Union as Co-Offensive Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach. In 2018, the Panthers finished with the #5 scoring offense in the nation at 45.2 points per game which ranked 1st in the CIAA. That year, behind the conference leader in rushing, Tabyus Taylor, the ground game finished 1st in the CIAA at 253 yards per game and 30 touchdowns.
In five seasons at VUU, Morita has coached eight All-CIAA offensive linemen. During that span, the Panthers have compiled a record of 36-15. In the summer of 2019, he was selected to participate in the Bill Walsh NFL Diversity Coaching Fellowship with the Tennessee Titans, working with the offensive line.
Morita came to Virginia Union from Vanderbilt University where he spent three seasons as an offensive quality control coach. In his first two years, he assisted with an offensive line that saw two of its members become starters for NFL teams. His final season, Morita moved to tight ends coach and mentored TE Jared Pinkney, who earned All-SEC Freshman Team honors.
Prior to his time at Vanderbilt, Morita spent eight years under the legendary Bob Ford at the University at Albany (NY). During the final seven years which he spent as offensive line coach, the Great Danes were Northeast Conference Champions four times (2007, 2008, 2011 & 2012), and produced the top three rushers in school history. Morita’s offensive lines produced three All-Americans and numerous all-conference members.
Morita also has college experience as an offensive coordinator at Shaw University (2004-05), tight ends coach at Bucknell University (2000-03), and offensive line coach at Santa Barbara (Calif.) City College (2003).
Morita earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Idaho State University where he played running back, and master's in education from Bucknell University. He is married to the former Ashley DeThorne and has two daughters, Madison and Ayla
