$9.6M Coach Emerges as Top Candidate to Succeed James Franklin at Penn State

Bassyonni

ago 40 minutes

The Penn State Nittany Lions are actively searching for a new head coach following the surprising departure of James Franklin. Athletic Director Pat Kraft fired Franklin in October after a rough start to the Big Ten season. The team entered the season ranked second nationally and reached the College Football Playoff Semifinal the previous year.

$9.6M Coach Emerges as Top Candidate to Succeed James Franklin at Penn State

High-profile candidates have been scarce. Notable coaches like Curt Cignetti from the Indiana Hoosiers and Matt Rhule of the Nebraska Cornhuskers quickly opted to remain with their current teams. Similarly, Kalani Sitake, head coach of the BYU Cougars, decided to stay at his alma mater, causing another setback in Penn State’s hiring efforts.

Coaching Candidates and Challenges

The Nittany Lions faced further challenges when former Ohio State offensive coordinator Brian Hartline accepted a head coaching position at the USF Bulls. Just recently, Jeff Brohm of the Louisville Cardinals also turned down Penn State’s overtures. This has left the university empty-handed on National Signing Day.

Brandon Marcello and Tyler Donohue from CBS Sports highlighted Duke Blue Devils head coach Manny Diaz as a leading candidate. Diaz has a contract valued at $9.6 million, though specifics are kept private due to Duke being a private institution. He previously served as a coordinator under Franklin.

The Pressure on Penn State

Kraft needs to identify new potential hires to lead the team.
Patience is essential as the Nittany Lions missed key recruitment dates.
Diaz could bring excitement if he leads the Blue Devils to an ACC Championship win.

Diaz is close to achieving Duke’s first ACC Championship since 1989. If successful, this could enhance his candidacy to succeed Franklin. Meanwhile, Penn State interim head coach Terry Smith is also being considered for a permanent role following the coaching changes.

Future Considerations

In addition to Diaz and Smith, other candidates are being monitored. Former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll has a leading probability of securing the position. As of now, the coaching search remains fluid, with a focus on balancing the urgency for a new leader and the need for a suitable fit.

With January’s transfer portal window approaching, it is critical for the administration to strategize effectively for the upcoming season. The Nittany Lions must act thoughtfully to build a competitive roster while navigating this pivotal time in their football program.