Top Candidate Surfaces to Succeed Dismissed James Franklin

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Top Candidate Surfaces to Succeed Dismissed James Franklin

Penn State University is currently in the process of selecting a new head football coach following the dismissal of James Franklin. Early predictions highlight Nebraska’s Matt Rhule as a frontrunner for the position, with a significant 50 percent chance of being hired, according to Kalshi, a prediction market based in New York.

Top Candidates for the Penn State Coaching Position

In addition to Rhule, Indiana’s Curt Cignetti claims the second-highest odds at 29 percent. Cignetti recently led the Hoosiers to an impressive victory over Oregon, keeping their undefeated record intact. At this time, there are no additional candidates emerging in the betting market.

Market Dynamics

  • The betting market for this coaching search opened on Monday afternoon.
  • At present, only $428 has been wagered on potential candidates.

James Franklin’s Tenure

James Franklin, who served as head coach for 12 seasons, concluded his tenure with a record of 104 wins against 45 losses. His performance placed him among the most successful coaches in Penn State history.

Interim Coaching and Future Matches

In the wake of Franklin’s departure, associate head coach Terry Smith has been appointed as interim head coach. The Nittany Lions are preparing for their upcoming match against the Iowa Hawkeyes, marking the onset of a new chapter for the program.

Potential Coaching Targets

Reports from On3 have identified Marcus Freeman, currently head coach at Notre Dame, as a key target for the university. However, there have been no bets placed on Freeman as of the latest updates. Additionally, big-name coaches such as Ryan Day from Ohio State and Kalen DeBoer from Alabama have been ruled out as serious contenders.

As Penn State conducts its coaching search, it remains focused on high-profile candidates who can lead the team into a new era of success.