Pat Kraft, the athletic director at Penn State, is taking his time in the search for a successor to James Franklin, who was dismissed from his position just a day earlier. Franklin had a notable impact, leading the Nittany Lions to the College Football Playoff last season. As the coaching search begins, several names have emerged prominently in discussions.
Among the potential candidates is Matt Rhule, currently the head coach at Nebraska. A former Penn State linebacker, Rhule is experiencing success in his third season with the Cornhuskers, boasting a current record of 5-1. He expressed his dedication to Nebraska while also reminiscing about his connection to Penn State during a press conference. Rhule highlighted Franklin’s efforts to restore stability to the program and reiterated his commitment to his current role, mentioning, “I absolutely love it here.”
Another notable name is Manny Diaz, who had a previous tenure at Penn State as defensive coordinator before taking the head coach position at Duke. Diaz spoke highly of Franklin’s dedication and the current challenges in college football. He reflected on the rapid changes the sport is undergoing, suggesting that the volatility in rankings illustrates the unpredictable nature of the game today.
Brent Key, head coach at Georgia Tech, is also being considered. Key has the Yellow Jackets off to a great start this season, currently holding a 6-0 record. He acknowledged that speculation about coaching openings comes with success, indicating that he embraces the challenges that come with high performance.
Fran Brown, the head coach at Syracuse, has garnered attention after his successful first season. Although he has faced some recent setbacks, he dismissed inquiries regarding the Penn State job, emphasizing his focus on his current responsibilities.
Curt Cignetti, who leads Indiana, is another candidate of interest. Under Cignetti’s guidance, Indiana has also achieved success, currently holding a 6-0 record and ranking third in the nation after a recent victory over Oregon. Cignetti’s rising profile in college football makes him a sought-after candidate despite his current contract securing his position at Indiana.
Kraft’s approach suggests that Penn State is weighing its options carefully and aiming to make a well-informed decision. The university’s commitment to finding a suitable successor indicates a hopeful direction towards rebuilding and maintaining competitiveness within the program. As the search unfolds, fans and analysts alike are eager to see the direction the Nittany Lions will take in their quest for a new leader.