SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - After one season as Missouri State's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, Mario Verduzco has accepted an assistant coaching job at the University of Central Florida, the school announced Tuesday (Dec. 8).

Verduzco joined MSU head coach Dave Steckel's staff last winter after spending 14 years on the coaching staff of Missouri Valley Football Conference power UNI, including seven as the Panthers' co-offensive coordinator. The Pittsburg, Calif., native worked with new UCF head coach Scott Frost in Cedar Falls for two seasons, while Frost served as UNI's linebackers coach in 2007 and defensive coordinator the following campaign.

Steckel, who completed his first season with the Bears in 2015, indicated a search for Verduzco's replacement will commence immediately.