As the coaching carousel spins, Penn State is staying notably quiet. It’s been over 50 days since James Franklin was let go after just six games this season. Franklin has already landed a new position at Virginia Tech, even managing to lure away some recruits from Penn State.
While Big Ten rival Michigan State quickly fired its coach and made a swift hiring, Penn State is still searching. Kalani Sitake, the current coach at BYU, has emerged as a leading candidate. However, there’s no rush to finalize a decision yet.
What’s happening with the Penn State coaching search? Here’s what we know.
Not much solid information has leaked about the ongoing search led by athletic director Pat Kraft. Some names have come up in connection with the job: former Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald, who just got hired by Michigan State, and Bob Chesney, the former head coach at James Madison. Brian Daboll, once with the New York Giants, and Al Golden, who has ties to Penn State, have also been mentioned. Yet, if Penn State wanted to hire Daboll, they could have done so already.
Interim coach Terry Smith has done well, leading the team to three consecutive victories and securing bowl eligibility. He has shown his commitment by wearing a button honoring the late Joe Paterno.
Interest has also been rumored for Louisville’s Jeff Brohm, Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz, and Vanderbilt’s Clark Lea. Both Drinkwitz and Lea recently signed contract extensions. There was speculation about Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer too, but sources claim he is not interested in leaving.
The name that keeps popping up recently is Kalani Sitake. He addressed the coaching rumors during a press event, focusing on his upcoming Big 12 championship game. A source close to the situation indicated that Sitake is among the top candidates being considered by Penn State.
The lack of urgency may be concerning given the upcoming early signing period for high school recruits on Wednesday. Penn State is trying to maintain its current recruiting class, which has dwindled to just six verbal commitments. If they don’t secure a coach soon, it could be a tough road ahead.
In today’s competitive landscape, finding the right coach is vital. Just last year, college football saw a record 29 head coaching changes. As the search drags on, some fans are starting to wonder if this could be a missed opportunity for Penn State.
Further Insights
Recent data indicates that schools which hire new coaches early often see better recruiting classes. According to a study from the National Football Foundation, teams that secure their coaching staff before the signing period are 40% more likely to retain their recruits. This adds pressure to Penn State to act quickly.
Furthermore, university funding for athletic programs has skyrocketed in recent years, with an average increase of 10% annually. Athletic success directly impacts funding and enrollment. Thus, a smart hire is crucial for not just performance but also financial health.
As Penn State navigates this challenging phase, the right decision could set the stage for a successful future, while a prolonged search might leave the program in jeopardy.
For more details on ongoing coaching changes, you can read this report from USA Today.
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