New coach

[LMTLION]

Coaching carousel in overdrive. Would these 5 in-demand coaches leave their alma maters?

One question that applies to five candidates will shape this college football coaching carousel.

www.usatoday.com

Interesting article about which coaches would possibly leave their alma mater. It mentions Lea and Sitake as good fits for PSU. Sitake is the BYU coach who seems to have flown under the radar. He seems like a really interesting dude and a great coach. But I’m not sure if PSU was shown any interest at all

 

[psuno1]

Valid questions--based on what is being said:

His wife doesn't like Texas and wasn't thrilled leaving Duke to go to A&M

He sees the Big Ten as easier to navigate and Penn State as a program that should/could be in the playoff yearly

The SEC going to 9 conference games just made his life way more difficult--having to play Texas, LSU and (I think) Mizzou yearly was arguably the worst draw of any SEC team. Next year he has to play those 3 plus Bama, South Carolina, Tennessee and Oklahoma. They also play ASU in a non-conference game. Compare that to our schedule

Elko apparently never saw A&M as a destination job--just a better opportunity to showcase what he was capable of accomplishing.

If that is the case- He will be announced as PSU's new head coach right after A%M is out of the playoff.

 

[Chumboshifko1]

I said Elko from jump street.

 

[BobPSU92]

If that is the case- He will be announced as PSU new head coach right after A%M is out of the playoff.

If Elko wants the PSU job, he needs to show it. He needs to crap the bed at a&m. Get out of there early and start recruiting for us.

(My phone first autocorrected Elko to Elmo. Maybe that’s a sign. Elmo would be a good fit with PSU’s leaderers.)

 

[PSU4U]

Do you think the Unc job comes open if they make a bowl game?

Yes but I don't see that happening.

 

[Itraindogs]

Coaching carousel in overdrive. Would these 5 in-demand coaches leave their alma maters?

One question that applies to five candidates will shape this college football coaching carousel.

www.usatoday.com

Interesting article about which coaches would possibly leave their alma mater. It mentions Lea and Sitake as good fits for PSU. Sitake is the BYU coach who seems to have flown under the radar. He seems like a really interesting dude and a great coach. But I’m not sure if PSU was shown any interest at all

Sitake is a dynamite coach and if he was not a Mormon I would have banged the drum for him earlier, but the article does not account enough, in my opinion, for what it means to belong to the Mormon community. I don't see Sitake leaving BYU ever (think LaVell Edwards).

​

 

[PSU Yinzer]

Sitake is a dynamite coach and if he was not a Mormon I would have banged the drum for him earlier, but the article does not account enough, in my opinion, for what it means to belong to the Mormon community. I don't see Sitake leaving BYU ever,

FWIW, Cael Sanderson is Mormon and has made it work in State College, balancing personal life & career. Everyone’s different though, of course.

 

[PSU4U]

Think it might be different for athletics but I really have no idea. Money talks the loudest but who knows how much more is needed to pull them away.

The quiet word is that Kraft has been given the go ahead to go get who he wants. This is Kraft's decision even though he has 4-5 people in his ear.

Brohm for instance, his base salary is $5,981,057 it could take double that to get him. IMO that makes getting Key much simpler and from a financial perspective more preferable. I keep going back to the fact that Key was the 1st PS contact and the conversation has really never subsided. Does that mean there's a better chance it's going to be Key? I give up.

I think this is the order of preference with Elko more than likely off the board IMO, but Elko gone is just MO.

Brohm
Key
Drinkwitz
Lea

 

[PSU4U]

Living here in metro Atlanta, this is really the first I've heard of Key, although GT plays 2nd fiddle to the Dawgs for obvious reasons. I hadn't realized that Key was part of one of the Alabama championship teams. Last year, he did beat Florida State (#10) to open the season, and Miami (#4) later on in the season. Overall records have been decidedly mediocre until this year - although looking at the schedule so far, the 8-1 record is hardly surprising - the biggest win is against Clemson (#12 at the time, now unranked). Given that GT is his alma mater, I'm a bit surprised he'd want to coach at PSU (the climate change alone is going to be a huge culture shock). Why PSU is evidently so hot on him is odd to me, other than the 8-0 start and "flavor of the week."

A good bit of it is the coaching tree he comes from the fact that he's a no nonsense tough HC and his southern recruiting contacts.

He doesn't run Silly Farm offenses which is helpful in the Big 10. Other than Brohm they see Key's style as an excellent fit for playing in the Big Ten.

 

[Itraindogs]

The quiet word is that Kraft has been given the go ahead to go get who he wants. This is Kraft's decision even though he has 4-5 people in his ear.

Brohm for instance, his base salary is $5,981,057 it could take double that to get him. IMO that makes getting Key much simpler and from a financial perspective more preferable. I keep going back to the fact that Key was the 1st PS contact and the conversation has really never subsided. Does that mean there's a better chance it's going to be Key? I give up.

I think this is the order of preference with Elko more than likely off the board IMO, but Elko gone is just MO.

Brohm
Key
Drinkwitz
Lea

Solid list, as is the ranking. Key would surely improve line play and help introduce more toughness to the program. Question of course is what the offense looks like at the skill position without Haynes King running the show. Same can be said about Lea, What does Vandy look like without Pavia.

 

[Navion N8865H]

"The quiet word is that Kraft has been given the go ahead to go get who he wants. This is Kraft's decision even though he has 4-5 people in his ear."

I can confirm this is true. Neeli has given Pat the authority to make the hire. It is whomever Pat and his tight advising group decide on, that's the bottom line.

 

[WaffleShopper]

The quiet word is that Kraft has been given the go ahead to go get who he wants. This is Kraft's decision even though he has 4-5 people in his ear.

Brohm for instance, his base salary is $5,981,057 it could take double that to get him. IMO that makes getting Key much simpler and from a financial perspective more preferable. I keep going back to the fact that Key was the 1st PS contact and the conversation has really never subsided. Does that mean there's a better chance it's going to be Key? I give up.

I think this is the order of preference with Elko more than likely off the board IMO, but Elko gone is just MO.

Brohm
Key
Drinkwitz
Lea

I think Elko is a pipe dream but to be honest I said the same about Franklin when we wanted him from Vandy. Elko is a little different though since it’s A&M not Vandy and we’d have to wait a very long time before getting a commitment.

Brohm is locked in as a Louisville guy but this is probably his first opportunity to coach a team that could legitimately win a championship. Does he actually think he can win one at Louisville? Would he be happy staying where he is long term a la Ferentz with no hope of a NC?

 

[donaldfair71]

Yes but I don't see that happening.

You're right, more unlikely now than likely, but it's hilarious that the sky was falling for them in September and they're a terrible official call from having beaten the only unbeaten left in the league, and a terrible fumble away from another win. Would be 5-3 and 3-1 in the league.

 

[Itraindogs]

Delete

 

[Connorpozlee]

I think Elko is a pipe dream but to be honest I said the same about Franklin when we wanted him from Vandy. Elko is a little different though since it’s A&M not Vandy and we’d have to wait a very long time before getting a commitment.

Brohm is locked in as a Louisville guy but this is probably his first opportunity to coach a team that could legitimately win a championship. Does he actually think he can win one at Louisville? Would he be happy staying where he is long term a la Ferentz with no hope of a NC?

He could come to Penn State for a few years for a massive payday, hope to hit on a championship, then be back in Louisville right after. Or get the payday, fail and get fired and be back in Louisville right after. He is adored in Louisville. He will be able to go back there any time he wants to.

 

[bbrown]

Yes but I don't see that happening.

Me either.

 

[bbrown]

Solid list, as is the ranking. Key would surely improve line play and help introduce more toughness to the program. Question of course is what the offense looks like at the skill position without Haynes King running the show. Same can be said about Lea, What does Vandy look like without Pavia.

There is another Gorilla in the room, at least for me, but does he bring his OC...insert ominous music...Tim Beck with him?
Vandy is also spending at a rate it never did when James was there and Franklin's overall recored was better.
Just a few other things for thought.

 

[DaytonRickster]

Diaz and Chesney are my current 1a and 1b choices. Next would be Drink and after that Hartline. All of this is subject to change based on the latest podcast or youtube video! The suspense is rough as we see the recruiting classes fall apart and the team stink it up each week.

Although I think Elko would be a homerun, I just can't see that happening. I also think Key, Lea, and Drinkwitz either stay where they are or move to other southern teams. Deboer I don't think iis in play.
Thus, Diaz or Chesney and I think they could stabilize the situation and rebuild with toughness.

 

[DaytonRickster]

Coaching carousel in overdrive. Would these 5 in-demand coaches leave their alma maters?

One question that applies to five candidates will shape this college football coaching carousel.

www.usatoday.com

Interesting article about which coaches would possibly leave their alma mater. It mentions Lea and Sitake as good fits for PSU. Sitake is the BYU coach who seems to have flown under the radar. He seems like a really interesting dude and a great coach. But I’m not sure if PSU was shown any interest at all

Had no thought of the BYU HC. I wonder if Kraft has reached out? Lea would also instill toughness again to PSU.
If I had to guess I would think the following would be willing to come to PSU:
- Chesney
- Diaz
- Lea
- Hartline
- Brohm

Is the BYU HC a wild card that no one knows about?

 

[Lion84]

I think its easier to name who hasn’t been mentioned as a favorite for the PSU job than who hasn’t - I was mentioned early but the damn background check a screwed me.

 

[Bwifan]

Had no thought of the BYU HC. I wonder if Kraft has reached out? Lea would also instill toughness again to PSU.
If I had to guess I would think the following would be willing to come to PSU:
- Chesney
- Diaz
- Lea
- Hartline
- Brohm

Is the BYU HC a wild card that no one knows about?

I am good with any of the following....
Brohm
Hartline
Key
Elko

 

[3-D_chess]

I think Elko is a pipe dream but to be honest I said the same about Franklin when we wanted him from Vandy. Elko is a little different though since it’s A&M not Vandy and we’d have to wait a very long time before getting a commitment.

Brohm is locked in as a Louisville guy but this is probably his first opportunity to coach a team that could legitimately win a championship. Does he actually think he can win one at Louisville? Would he be happy staying where he is long term a la Ferentz with no hope of a NC?

I agree with everything you said. But if Cignetti wins a title, that deflates the logic behind your post. We're living in a different time.

 

[DaytonRickster]

Solid list, as is the ranking. Key would surely improve line play and help introduce more toughness to the program. Question of course is what the offense looks like at the skill position without Haynes King running the show. Same can be said about Lea, What does Vandy look like without Pavia.

That's the chance they would be taking. For me I would go in this order:
- Brohm (understands B1G)
- Chesney (has done really well even though Cignetti poached his best players)
- Key
- Lea
- Hartline (I'm not enamored w/him like some others)
- Diaz

- Sitake (BYU) would be excellent but is he even in play?

 

[DaytonRickster]

There is another Gorilla in the room for Lea, at least for me, but does he bring his OC...insert ominous music...Tim Beck with him?
Vandy is also spending at a rate it never did when James was there and Franklin's overall recored was better.
Just a few other things for thought.

Good info. Gives pause.

 

[Ram20]

Some real traction to Franklin-Virginia Tech. For the Kraft detractors(which is fine/fair), I wonder if firing Franklin early in the season was a way to preserve Franklin's mostly positive reputation. If he stuck around this year, and all of these losses were associated to him, I wonder if he becomes toxic in a way this cycle....preserving Franklin's reputation is key in reducing or eliminating the buyout. Maybe this is 4d Chess that Kraft is incapable of.....just a thought.

 

[PSU4U]

That's the chance they would be taking. For me I would go in this order:
- Brohm (understands B1G)
- Chesney (has done really well even though Cignetti poached his best players)
- Key
- Lea
- Hartline (I'm not enamored w/him like some others)
- Diaz

- Sitake (BYU) would be excellent but is he even in play?

That's a good wish list and I like Diaz as a safe fallback. He would imo be a good HC in happy valley. Splash Hire? No but a comfortable choice.

 

[WaffleShopper]

I agree with everything you said. But if Cignetti wins a title, that deflates the logic behind your post. We're living in a different time.

True. Not sure if Cignetti thought he could win a NC at Indiana but he’s an arrogant mf so maybe he did. Still a big step from where they are to a title though.

 

[barry j fenchak]

There is another Gorilla in the room for Lea, at least for me, but does he bring his OC...insert ominous music...Tim Beck with him?
Vandy is also spending at a rate it never did when James was there and Franklin's overall recored was better.
Just a few other things for thought.

His success at Vandy is not in the same universe as Franklin's. He has victories over ranked teams including over #1 Alabama last year. Franklin never had success like that.

 

[BCS PSU]

His success at Vandy is not in the same universe as Franklin's. He has victories over ranked teams including over #1 Alabama last year. Franklin never had success like that.

In all fairness, Franklin did a great job at Vanderbilt and won nine games there in 2012 and 2013, including two bowls. He also beat some bigname programs, including UGA.

 

[barry j fenchak]

In all fairness, Franklin did a great job at Vanderbilt and won nine games there in 2012 and 2013, including two bowls. He also beat some bigname programs, including UGA.

Anyone that has won 9 games at Vandy has indeed accomplished great feats, no argument there.

However, the current HC has gone light-years beyond what BGJ did.

 

[LMTLION]

Had no thought of the BYU HC. I wonder if Kraft has reached out? Lea would also instill toughness again to PSU.
If I had to guess I would think the following would be willing to come to PSU:
- Chesney
- Diaz
- Lea
- Hartline
- Brohm

Is the BYU HC a wild card that no one knows about?

I only ever heard about the byu coach in the article I linked. There may be others out there that were not aware of either.

 

[3-D_chess]

True. Not sure if Cignetti thought he could win a NC at Indiana but he’s an arrogant mf so maybe he did. Still a big step from where they are to a title though.

His team is ranked 2nd ... I guess that's a big step to a title? One thing is for sure, he took over the losingest P4 program in America ... and if 2 years ago someone said , "He'll have them in the playoffs in year one", I would've responded with "that's a big step".

 

[LMTLION]

Urban Meyer had ‘great interest’ in comeback, but he ruined a chance: ‘I’ve talked to two sources’

Urban Meyer was reportedly interested in a comeback.

sports.yahoo.com

Reportedly botched his interview with PSU on the topic of NIL. I know we heard this before, but here it is posted in a new article.

 

[bbrown]

In all fairness, Franklin did a great job at Vanderbilt and won nine games there in 2012 and 2013, including two bowls. He also beat some bigname programs, including UGA.

and, like I tried to say but maybe I didn't shout it loud enough, Vandy has pumped in a ton more money than when Franklin was around.

 

[BobPSU92]

Urban Meyer had ‘great interest’ in comeback, but he ruined a chance: ‘I’ve talked to two sources’

Urban Meyer was reportedly interested in a comeback.

sports.yahoo.com

Reportedly botched his interview with PSU on the topic of NIL. I know we heard this before, but here it is posted in a new article.

I’d love to know what he said about NIL. .

“What’s a NIL?”

“Penn State won’t need NIL with me as coach. We’ll have bagmen. Let’s keep that on the down-low. Where are the chicks?”

 

[grint]

A good bit of it is the coaching tree he comes from the fact that he's a no nonsense tough HC and his southern recruiting contacts.

He doesn't run Silly Farm offenses which is helpful in the Big 10. Other than Brohm they see Key's style as an excellent fit for playing in the Big Ten.

Solid list, as is the ranking. Key would surely improve line play and help introduce more toughness to the program. Question of course is what the offense looks like at the skill position without Haynes King running the show. Same can be said about Lea, What does Vandy look like without Pavia.

We need toughness for sure. It seems softness is a staple of Franklin teams.

 

[WVilleLion23]

He said NLI? Yes, I have stayed at the Nittany Lion Inn before, but what does that have to do with recruiting?

 

[Itraindogs]

Had no thought of the BYU HC. I wonder if Kraft has reached out? Lea would also instill toughness again to PSU.
If I had to guess I would think the following would be willing to come to PSU:
- Chesney
- Diaz
- Lea
- Hartline
- Brohm

Is the BYU HC a wild card that no one knows about?

Hartline definitely would jump at the chance. Brohm I seriously doubt leaves Louisville. I have my doubts about Lea. What does Vandy look like without Pavia? For a HC coming from the defensive side of the ball, a very, very average Texas offense really exposed them Is it a talent thing?

Chesney and Diaz would be good options, and if Brohm decides he wants another crack at the B10 that would be a home run. Tough, offensive minded coach. He will need a good defensive coordinator.

I do not see Sitake leaving BYU; probably why you do not see his name circulated.

 

[djmccaslin]

Urban Meyer had ‘great interest’ in comeback, but he ruined a chance: ‘I’ve talked to two sources’

Urban Meyer was reportedly interested in a comeback.

sports.yahoo.com

Reportedly botched his interview with PSU on the topic of NIL. I know we heard this before, but here it is posted in a new article.

I've seen this same story at multiple sites through I somewhat view it with a high level of doubt because it feels like click fodder (even for Yahoo! who notes the bulk of that story is from Audacy and Awful Announcing--I wouldn't consider either as a gold standard of journalism). My rule of thumb is if breaking or insider news like this is shared and it's from someone you've never heard of--take it with a grain of salt.

The other reason I am not putting a lot of stock in these discussions with Meyer is because the whole issue on why it broke down is the exact reason many of us on message boards and pseudo-journalists/columnists have noted as a negative for Meyer (dealing with NIL).

Now setting all those doubts aside, let's say these two meetings did happen. What could Meyer have said about NIL that would have turned PSU away from him? Clearly, he's observed the blowback with Dabo and his unwillingness to embrace transfers (and I'm guessing NIL too?). Meyer may be a lot of things but I don't think he's dumb enough to not recognize NIL has to be major factor when building and maintaining a team. I suspect he is still close to OSU who have been big players in NIL since it was legal so it would be odd for him not throw out an answer that would have turned off PSU. The only thing I can think of is:

1. Meyer wanted to bring in his own GM to handle NIL management
2. Meyer wanted to handle NIL himself without a GM
3. Kraft indicated he would manage NIL himself
4. Kraft indicated he would appoint the GM not Meyer

Given the reporting puts in on PSU not liking Meyer's answers, it would lead me to believe it was #1 or #2. But who the heck knows!

 

[Itraindogs]

That's the chance they would be taking. For me I would go in this order:
- Brohm (understands B1G)
- Chesney (has done really well even though Cignetti poached his best players)
- Key
- Lea
- Hartline (I'm not enamored w/him like some others)
- Diaz

- Sitake (BYU) would be excellent but is he even in play?

I like this list, though I would flip Diaz with Lea. I also am not enamored of Hartline.