AZUSA, Calif. –  Azusa Pacific has announced the hiring of veteran coach and offensive innovator Mark Speckman as its new offensive coordinator. A pioneer of the Fly offense and a fixture in football coaching for more than four decades, Speckman brings an impressive résumé and deep ties to Cougar Football.

Speckman arrives at APU following three seasons with Clarion University, where he transformed the Golden Eagles into one of the premier rushing teams in the PSAC. Under his direction, Clarion averaged more than 154 rushing yards per game in 2023, ranked among the conference leaders, and produced all-conference talent such as Corahn Alleyne, who earned national recognition for his versatility. In 2022, Speckman guided running back Khalil Owens to over 1,000 combined rushing and receiving yards, while the Golden Eagles ranked second in the PSAC West in rushing offense.

His offensive balance was further displayed in 2024 with standout performances from quarterback Anthony Guercio and wide receiver Trevon Tate. Guercio rushed for 645 yards on 160 attempts, scoring 12 touchdowns—tied for second in the PSAC—and passed for 2,001 yards with 11 scores through the air, ranking third in the conference in total offense at 264.6 yards per game. He posted a season-high 372 passing yards and three touchdowns in a comeback win over Edinboro, while adding a 106-yard, two-touchdown rushing performance against Millersville. Tate, a First Team All-PSAC selection, hauled in 65 receptions for 1,137 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 103.4 yards per game to rank among the league's top receivers.

Before his time at Clarion, Speckman spent five seasons at UC Davis, helping lead the Aggies to a Big Sky Championship in 2018. His running backs unit flourished under his leadership, led by Jerry Rice Award finalist Ulonzo Gilliam, who set a program record with 17 touchdowns.

Speckman's coaching résumé also includes stints in the Canadian Football League (Montreal Alouettes), Menlo College, and Willamette University, where he enjoyed a 14-year tenure as head coach. At Willamette, he guided the Bearcats to an 82-59 record, two Northwest Conference championships, and three NCAA Division III playoff appearances, including a national championship game berth.

"Coach Speckman is a tremendous addition to Azusa Pacific University," said APU head coach AJ Parnell. "His track record of success at every level of football speaks for itself, and his offensive expertise is second to none. Coach Speckman will add value to our entire coaching staff with his knowledge and wisdom about life and the game. I am fired up to work alongside Coach Speckman and continue to learn from his example!"

APU Athletic Director Gary Pine echoed that excitement: "Mark Speckman embodies what Azusa Pacific stands for: excellence, resilience, and impact. His proven ability to build innovative offenses and inspire athletes makes him a perfect fit for our program. Beyond football, his life story and leadership will enrich our entire campus community. I know our Cougar alumni will be excited to have Mark back on campus."

Speckman, himself an Azusa Pacific alumnus, shared his excitement about returning to Cougar Football:
"Like all APU football alums, I was saddened when the school discontinued football. I am thrilled football is coming back and I can be a part of the restart. I have been so impressed with the vision and enthusiasm of Head Coach AJ Parnell. I am excited to get started. Go Cougars!!"

An Azusa Pacific graduate, Speckman earned his bachelor's degree in social science and teaching credential from APU in 1977 after beginning his college career at Menlo. He later added a master's degree in health and human services from Columbia Pacific University.

Born without hands, Speckman has not only made his mark on the gridiron but also as a renowned motivational speaker. His story of perseverance has taken him to companies and organizations worldwide, including Nike, Boeing, and the Million Dollar Roundtable. He is also the co-author of the book Figure It Out: How I Learned To Live In A Digital World Without Digits.

Speckman and his wife, Sue, have two daughters, Lisa and Julie, who live and work in New York City. His son, Tim, is also a football coach, most recently with the Swedish National Team