Joel Klatt Highlights Top 3 Contenders for Penn State Head Coach Role

Penn State University is on the lookout for a new head football coach following the dismissal of James Franklin in October. The coaching search has faced challenges, particularly with the recent extension signed by Kalani Sitake at BYU, which has removed him from consideration. Despite these hurdles, Joel Klatt, a leading college football analyst for FOX Sports, has identified several contenders for the position.

Top Contenders for the Penn State Head Coach Role

In his podcast, “The Joel Klatt Show,” Klatt highlighted a few candidates who remain in the running:

• Brian Daboll: The former head coach of the New York Giants has been linked to Penn State since his firing in November. Despite lacking direct ties to the university, his son was a student assistant with the football team. Daboll previously served as Alabama’s offensive coordinator, contributing to their national championship win in 2017.
• Jeff Brohm: Currently the head coach at Louisville, Brohm enjoyed success during his tenure at Purdue, where he achieved a 36-34 record. His team reached the Big Ten Championship Game in 2022. However, he has reportedly informed Louisville of his intention to stay with the program.
• Kalen DeBoer: The Alabama coach is another potential name, but his status is uncertain as he guides his team through the SEC Championship Game against Georgia. DeBoer is facing scrutiny after Alabama’s performance, prompting discussions about his future.
• Manny Diaz: A former defensive coordinator for Penn State, Diaz is the current head coach at Duke. Klatt suggested that Diaz could be a strong candidate, given his background with the program.

Coaching Landscape

The coaching carousel is in full swing, with several prominent figures already securing new positions. Coaches like Bob Chesney of James Madison and Jon Summrall from Tulane have accepted roles elsewhere, underscoring the fast-changing environment.

As the search progresses, Klatt emphasized the importance of identifying a candidate who resonates with both the university and its football culture. With the coaching carousel turning quickly, Penn State must act decisively to secure the right leader for the program.

Conclusion

As of now, Penn State still seeks clarity in its coaching search. With several candidates considering their options, the next few weeks will be pivotal in determining who will take the helm of the Nittany Lions football program.