Full Breakdown
Penn State's Coaching Search: Candidates to Replace James Franklin
11/15/2025, 1:13:06 PM
Overview of the Coaching Search
Following the firing of James Franklin on October 12, 2025, amid a disappointing 3-6 season, Penn State University has initiated a search for a new head football coach. The Nittany Lions entered the season with high expectations, ranked No. 2 in the preseason AP poll, but struggled significantly, leading to Franklin's dismissal. Athletic Director Pat Kraft is now tasked with identifying a suitable replacement from a diverse pool of candidates.
Key Candidates Under Consideration
The list of potential candidates for the head coaching position includes several notable names:
- Brian Daboll: Recently fired from the New York Giants, Daboll has expressed interest in the Penn State job. He previously served as the offensive coordinator at Alabama, helping the Crimson Tide secure a national championship in 2017. Despite a challenging tenure in the NFL, his experience and connections to former NFL players with ties to Penn State may bolster his candidacy.
- Brent Key: The head coach of Georgia Tech, Key has gained attention for leading the Yellow Jackets to a strong season, currently ranked 16th in the College Football Playoff standings. His success at Georgia Tech positions him as a viable candidate for the Nittany Lions.
- Bob Chesney: Currently the head coach at James Madison, Chesney has a commendable record of 17-5 since his hiring in December 2023. His rising profile in college football makes him an intriguing option for Penn State, especially as the program looks to emulate Indiana's successful hiring of Curt Cignetti from James Madison.
- Brian Hartline: The offensive coordinator at Ohio State, Hartline is recognized for his role in one of the top offenses in college football. His experience and success could make him a strong candidate for the head coaching role.
- Pat Fitzgerald: The former head coach at Northwestern, Fitzgerald was dismissed amid a hazing scandal but has expressed a desire to return to coaching. His previous success at Northwestern, where he led the program to multiple winning seasons, could appeal to Penn State's administration.
- Eli Drinkwitz: The head coach at Missouri, Drinkwitz has been noted for his recruiting prowess and could be a strong candidate if Penn State seeks to enhance its recruiting efforts.
Official Statements & Responses
Reports indicate that Penn State's coaching search is ongoing, with no clear frontrunner emerging. Athletic Director Pat Kraft has maintained a low profile regarding the search, emphasizing the importance of finding a coach who aligns with the program's values and aspirations. The urgency of the search is heightened by the competitive landscape, as other programs, including Virginia Tech and Arkansas, are also seeking new head coaches.
Criticism & Opposition
Some analysts have expressed skepticism regarding the potential hiring of Daboll, citing his lack of college head coaching experience and questioning whether he can adapt to the unique challenges of college football. Additionally, the scrutiny surrounding Fitzgerald's past at Northwestern may deter some stakeholders from supporting his candidacy.
What's Next
As the coaching search progresses, Penn State is expected to conduct interviews and evaluate candidates thoroughly. The Nittany Lions aim to make a decision soon, as the NCAA Transfer Portal opens on January 2, 2026, necessitating a timely hire to facilitate recruitment efforts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “One wild card in the mix is former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll, who was the offensive coordinator at Alabama in 2017 and helped lead the Tide to a national title.” — Ralph Russo, The Athletic
- “Slice me open and see what colors I bleed.” — Brent Key, Georgia Tech Head Coach
The outcome of this coaching search will significantly impact the future trajectory of Penn State football as it seeks to regain its competitive edge in college football.
