David Hale, ESPN College football reporter, covered the viral Akron 'Offensive Coordinator For A Day' contest where season-ticket holder Marty Whims called the Zips' first drive. Whims, who won after being selected from 10 finalists, huddled with head coach Joe Moorhead and scripted plays with precision, converting a first down and reaching Robert Morris territory before receiver Marcel Williams fumbled, ending the drive. Whims noted the complexity of execution beyond just calling the play, saying he gained 'a lot more appreciation for what goes into it.' The contest, posted on social media by the school, garnered over a billion impressions and helped sell more than half of Akron's season tickets in two weeks, with Arby's as a sponsor.

Whims, a 46-year-old longtime fan attending games with childhood friends, described his '15 minutes of fame' after appearing on 'College Game Day' and receiving advice from Nick Saban. He acknowledged nervousness before the first play but stuck to his script. In the locker room, backup QB Brayden Roggow told him 'Good luck, Coach.' Akron won the coin toss and deferred, forcing a three-and-out before Whims' drive ended in turnover amid fan shouts.

He retired to the stands with his sons Jacoby, Zach and Ryan.