New coach

[PSU4U]

Biggest takeaway for me is rise of KDB from basically nil to second

We actually don't know that he's second. He may be first or third. It just seems there is a lot of fan interest in Chesney at this time.

Whoever it is it's obviously not happening this week and I didn't think it was. I do believe Kraft has someone committed to taking the job and they are most likely working on getting all the T's crossed and I's dotted. So, we wait and it could end up not being either of those two. It could be an outside of the Box Hire it's just that fan money seems to be on Chesney at this time.

Not trying to throw water on the fire just acknowledging there's still so much we don't know and probably won't know until there's an announcement or a major leak.

 

[PSU4U]

Lane on his way

The guy lives to be the center of attention. He really almost craves it. So, I think he plays that situation for all it's worth while trying to suck all the oxygen out of the room.

 

[Nitt1300]

We actually don't know that he's second. He may be first or third. It just seems there is a lot of fan interest in Chesney at this time. Whoever it is it's obviously not happening this week and I didn't think it was. I do believe Kraft has someone committed to taking the job and they are most likely working on getting all the T's crossed and I's dotted. So, we wait.

they were still interviewing yesterday

 

[PSU4U]

So by this logic any p4 coach was better than Cignetti until he took the Indiana job. It’s impossible to be a better coach if you don’t coach at the highest level? Because I know some pretty awful coaches in D1 right now and I’d take a Chesney or Cignetti over all of them.
PSU also just got rid of one of the worst in game coaches in the sport. JF was laughably awful in game. I’d rather take my chances with a Chesney.

Going off of Kraft's press conference the inference that everyone seemed to draw including me was that Kraft was only going for a power 4 guy. I don't know that was ever true. He also said a lot of things about being a PS type person or at least someone who had PS ideals. We took that to mean a number of things like NE ties, that might not be correct, and it certainly wouldn't be in Deboer's case but would be in Chesney's case. IF (if) those two are 1-2 or even 1a and 1b I find it interesting that one is not like the other.

 

[PSU4U]

Not only was Franklin a horrible in game coach, his track record in hiring offense coordinators was dreadful.

John Donovan
Kirk Ciarrocca
Mike Yurcich
Andy Kotelnicki
Ricky Rahne

Franklin’s only successful offense coordinator was Joe Moorhead. That’s a hit rate of one out of six which is awful.

Moorhead was not as great as everyone gave him credit for, but Moorhead himself thought Moorhead was great. Turns out not so much.

 

[Chumboshifko1]

Meh, uh, uH, UH!

 

[NittanyBoy88]

We actually don't know that he's second. He may be first or third. It just seems there is a lot of fan interest in Chesney at this time.

Whoever it is it's obviously not happening this week and I didn't think it was. I do believe Kraft has someone committed to taking the job and they are most likely working on getting all the T's crossed and I's dotted. So, we wait and it could end up not being either of those two. It could be an outside of the Box Hire it's just that fan money seems to be on Chesney at this time.

Not trying to throw water on the fire just acknowledging there's still so much we don't know and probably won't know until there's an announcement or a major leak.

I was talking about the odds from Kalshi, not who is or isn’t actually 1 2 etc to PSU brass.

 

[PSU4U]

I was talking about the odds from Kalshi, not who is or isn’t actually 1 2 etc to PSU brass.

Yeah, got that just thought I would add a broader context. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Catch1lion]

Great article from the Atlantic on the mindset of the college fan. Extrapolating to the Franklin situation (Richt is used in the article since he is now living in GA), fans failed to get an endorphin rush from 10-2. The expectation was to win the favored games, and hopefully pull out an OSU or UM win on occasion. The goal posts are always moving as you win. Fans want more, even outside of HV. Football season became very 'predictable " for PSU. JF got 86ed because he wasn't providing us with that surge of positive emotion any longer. GA no longer get a high from the Cocktail Party win over UF. SEC title means nothing. It is win it all or bust. I imagine that's what KD is feeling from the Bama fans. Winning doesn't feel as good as losing hurts. "We" feel we deserve more but we are not alone.

Can college football fans still enjoy a season without expecting the Playoff — or more? snippet...​

Georgia’s title was supposed to be life-changing. But everyone’s lives are still pretty much the same. They just want more. And not just that: Even wonderful experiences from the past, when repeated, just can’t bring the same euphoria. There was a time when beating Florida in the Cocktail Party rivalry would be an unquestioned highlight of the year; now that Georgia has won eight of the past nine against the Gators, it’s hard to remember that winning that game is supposed to be a big deal. You just get used to all the winning. You can’t help but take it for granted

 

[Big_O]

There was a time when beating Florida in the Cocktail Party rivalry would be an unquestioned highlight of the year; now that Georgia has won eight of the past nine against the Gators, it’s hard to remember that winning that game is supposed to be a big deal. You just get used to all the winning. You can’t help but take it for granted

Sounds like DuhO$U against Penn State.

 

[Blair10]

Moorhead was not as great as everyone gave him credit for, but Moorhead himself thought Moorhead was great. Turns out not so much.

Moorhead was one of the few offense coordinators who managed to beat the Ohio State Buckeyes twice. Once with PSU and once with Oregon where his offense dismantled OSU in Columbus in 2021 35-28.

 

[LMTLION]

So by this logic any p4 coach was better than Cignetti until he took the Indiana job. It’s impossible to be a better coach if you don’t coach at the highest level? Because I know some pretty awful coaches in D1 right now and I’d take a Chesney or Cignetti over all of them.
PSU also just got rid of one of the worst in game coaches in the sport. JF was laughably awful in game. I’d rather take my chances with a Chesney.

I’m pointing out the ridiculousness of the hot board flavors of the day that Chesney in a creampuff conference with a similar record as SEC coaches Drinkwitz or Deboer is looked at as some sort of coaching genius in waiting. I really think it’s because he’s from the coal region that he’s getting so much attention here. But the reality is that he was the Virginia Tech fallback plan b option if Franklin didn’t work out. Do we really want VT fall back candidate. The optics would be very negative. Maybe he becomes a great coach in P4, but the odds of that happening are very low considering he’s never had P4 experience at any level of coaching. Cignetti held a variety of power football positions for decades before JMU or Indiana.

 

[mfb5053]

I’m pointing out the ridiculousness of the hot board flavors of the day that Chesney in a creampuff conference with a similar record as SEC coaches Drinkwitz or Deboer is looked at as some sort of coaching genius in waiting. I really think it’s because he’s from the coal region that he’s getting so much attention here. But the reality is that he was the Virginia Tech fallback plan b option if Franklin didn’t work out. Do we really want VT fall back candidate. The optics would be very negative. Maybe he becomes a great coach in P4, but the odds of that happening are very low considering he’s never had P4 experience at any level of coaching. Cignetti held a variety of power football positions for decades before JMU or Indiana.

Must have a rock solid boilo recipe.

 

[Wilbury]

You said, "We are down to Chesney, who was 10th on our list when we started." I pointed out that he is looking at lot better now.

10th on who's list? The unhinged people on this board?

 

[Chumboshifko1]

Hoo hoo hee hee ho Ho

 

[PSU4U]

Moorhead was one of the few offense coordinators who managed to beat the Ohio State Buckeyes twice. Once with PSU and once with Oregon where his offense dismantled OSU in Columbus in 2021 35-28.

He had his moments as they all do but in the long hall his schemes fizzled as DC's adjusted to the newness of what he brought to the table and in fact were able to control his scheme with some ease. He's where he is for a reason.

 

[PSU4U]

Hoo hoo hee hee ho Ho

Brilliant

 

[Alphalion75]

All these insider wannabes on YouTube need to get out of their parent's basement and get a real job.

 

[JoePaMajorCFBrecord409Ws]

While true, Chesney would have a whole new level of recruits available (3-5 star guys), way more money to operate, and a big name school behind him.

He is probably the biggest risk of those 3 you listed. But potentially the highest ceiling. He is a proven winner everywhere he has gone.

Plus, what scares me about DeBoer is his very middling performance at Alabama after inheriting one of the best rosters in the nation. There are a ton of coaches (including Chesney probably) who could have gone 9-4 or better with Bama's roster last year (and 17-6 in their first 23). Again, there are tons of coaches that could have done as well inheriting that roster. If he did that middling with one of, if not the best, rosters in the nation in terms of elite recruits, I shudder to think how he'd do with what's left of PSU's roster in 2026 (because he wouldn't be bringing very many players if he leaves Bama for PSU - at least Chesney would bring his best players with him.).

 

[SRURock24]

Plus, what scares me about DeBoer is his very middling performance at Alabama after inheriting one of the best rosters in the nation. There are a ton of coaches (including Chesney probably) who could have gone 9-4 or better with Bama's roster last year (and 17-6 in their first 23). Again, there are tons of coaches that could have done as well inheriting that roster. If he did that middling with one of, if not the best, rosters in the nation in terms of elite recruits, I shudder to think how he'd do with what's left of PSU's roster in 2026 (because he wouldn't be bringing very many players if he leaves Bama for PSU - at least Chesney would bring his best players with him.).

DeBoer is a really good coach. Saban left for a reason. Alabama is a really good job if you can deal with the rabid boosters and fan base but because of NIL and the portal they are not as deep as many of the great Saban teams of the past. DeBoer not a good fit following Saban. Different personality, different regional ties. Expectations left from the GOAT era.

 

[Itraindogs]

2024-2025 combined records: JMU 18-5, Mizzou 17-6, Bama 17-6. Strength of schedule avg - JMU 92.5, Mizzou 38.5, Bama 2.5. Chesney is interesting but not comparable to Drink or Deboer.

So much of this is based on contingencies that do not cross over. For example, DeBoer followed Saban at Alabama in 2024. In 23 Saban went 12 and 2 and lost in the Rose Bowl. DeBeor went 9 and 4 in his first year. This year he is 8 and 2 with an embarrassing loss to a dog sh*t program (FSU). Drink has a 25 to 23 overall SEC record. Chesney has taken over cratering programs and made them competitive, but does his experience translate to B10 play? So, yes, they are not comparable, but for other reasons than wins/losses.

Chesney is a high risk, high reward hire if his experience at lower levels translate to B10 play. The other two are known commodities

 

[BobPSU92]

72 pages here and we’re nowhere closer to hiring our new coach. Meanwhile, Franklin is kicking back in Blacksburg laughing at us over a blueberry scone and vanilla latte.

 

[Binder74]

Well, you are right, he doesn't have the worst record in history, only 3rd worst.

The Nittany Lions fell at home in double overtime to Oregon, dropping Franklin to 4-21 at Penn State against AP top-10 opponents, including 1-18 against top-10 Big Ten teams in conference games. Franklin's .160 winning percentage against AP top-10 teams is tied for the third-worst record by a coach (minimum 25 games) at a single school since the poll era began in 1936, according to ESPN Research. Penn State has not defeated a Big Ten top 10 opponent since knocking off Ohio State in 2016.

And if not for a fluke blocked field goal, that was going to be a loss as well.

 

[Itraindogs]

I’m pointing out the ridiculousness of the hot board flavors of the day that Chesney in a creampuff conference with a similar record as SEC coaches Drinkwitz or Deboer is looked at as some sort of coaching genius in waiting. I really think it’s because he’s from the coal region that he’s getting so much attention here. But the reality is that he was the Virginia Tech fallback plan b option if Franklin didn’t work out. Do we really want VT fall back candidate. The optics would be very negative. Maybe he becomes a great coach in P4, but the odds of that happening are very low considering he’s never had P4 experience at any level of coaching. Cignetti held a variety of power football positions for decades before JMU or Indiana.

You are usually not unreasonable, but it appears you have a blind spot for Chesney. "Cream puffs" is very relative to the level of the talent you have and the conferences you play in. Chesney has resurrected and made competitive several colleges. Does this mean that that the "odds" of him being successful are low? That is an incorrect inference. Surely, its not analogous to Cignetti, but it does not need to be. As for "bad look" why is taking a coach from the Group of 5 with an excellent track record worse than taking a mid-tier SEC coach who has a 50/50 record in conference?

 

[NittanyBoy88]

I’m pointing out the ridiculousness of the hot board flavors of the day that Chesney in a creampuff conference with a similar record as SEC coaches Drinkwitz or Deboer is looked at as some sort of coaching genius in waiting. I really think it’s because he’s from the coal region that he’s getting so much attention here. But the reality is that he was the Virginia Tech fallback plan b option if Franklin didn’t work out. Do we really want VT fall back candidate. The optics would be very negative. Maybe he becomes a great coach in P4, but the odds of that happening are very low considering he’s never had P4 experience at any level of coaching. Cignetti held a variety of power football positions for decades before JMU or Indiana.

One man’s trash is another’s treasure. If he’s the right fit, sure. Just because one employer values you less doesn’t mean that’s true.

 

[WaffleShopper]

10th on who's list? The unhinged people on this board?

They believe everything they read and think what they’re told to think.

 

[NittanyBoy88]

72 pages here and we’re nowhere closer to hiring our new coach. Meanwhile, Franklin is kicking back in Blacksburg laughing at us over a blueberry scone and vanilla latte.

So he wins? Nevermind, this is a big game

 

[Anon1763735169]

KDB is 121-18 as a Head Coach with 3 NAIA national championships and an appearance in the CFP national championship game in only his second season at UW. He has won everywhere he has coached - Google him. He has the highest winning percentage of any coach in history against ranked opponents. That is the definition of an elite coach and exactly what we need at PSU. If a person can complain about him as a candidate for the job it speaks volumes about their biases as a PSU "fan". I hope Kraft pays whatever it takes to hire him - he is the only candidate that will cause Ryan Day to immediately start losing sleep.

 

[BobPSU92]

So he wins? Nevermind, this is a big game

Of course. This won’t end well for us. It can’t.

 

[donaldfair71]

72 pages here and we’re nowhere closer to hiring our new coach. Meanwhile, Franklin is kicking back in Blacksburg laughing at us over a blueberry scone and vanilla latte.

To be fair, he may have been doing that in State College as well.

 

[Phlebitis]

KDB is 121-18 as a Head Coach with 3 NAIA national championships and an appearance in the CFP national championship game in only his second season at UW. He has won everywhere he has coached - Google him. He has the highest winning percentage of any coach in history against ranked opponents. That is the definition of an elite coach and exactly what we need at PSU. If a person can complain about him as a candidate for the job it speaks volumes about their biases as a PSU "fan". I hope Kraft pays whatever it takes to hire him - he is the only candidate that will cause Ryan Day to immediately start losing sleep.

I couldn't agree more with everything you said. At the first mention of KDB my heart skipped a beat. The only concern I have, and I mean the only one, is whether this is even remotely possible or more likely, a ridiculous rumor.

 

[DaytonRickster]

72 pages here and we’re nowhere closer to hiring our new coach. Meanwhile, Franklin is kicking back in Blacksburg laughing at us over a blueberry scone and vanilla latte.

Do they sell those in Blacksburg? How about a pulled pork sandwich and sweetened tea?

 

[DaytonRickster]

KDB is 121-18 as a Head Coach with 3 NAIA national championships and an appearance in the CFP national championship game in only his second season at UW. He has won everywhere he has coached - Google him. He has the highest winning percentage of any coach in history against ranked opponents. That is the definition of an elite coach and exactly what we need at PSU. If a person can complain about him as a candidate for the job it speaks volumes about their biases as a PSU "fan". I hope Kraft pays whatever it takes to hire him - he is the only candidate that will cause Ryan Day to immediately start losing sleep.

Deboer or Chesney, I will be happy with either one. Is Deboer really in play?

 

[LB99]

Plus, what scares me about DeBoer is his very middling performance at Alabama after inheriting one of the best rosters in the nation. There are a ton of coaches (including Chesney probably) who could have gone 9-4 or better with Bama's roster last year (and 17-6 in their first 23). Again, there are tons of coaches that could have done as well inheriting that roster. If he did that middling with one of, if not the best, rosters in the nation in terms of elite recruits, I shudder to think how he'd do with what's left of PSU's roster in 2026 (because he wouldn't be bringing very many players if he leaves Bama for PSU - at least Chesney would bring his best players with him.).

He’s 7-1 vs top 5 opponents.

 

[Bob78]

So much of this is based on contingencies that do not cross over. For example, DeBoer followed Saban at Alabama in 2024. In 23 Saban went 12 and 2 and lost in the Rose Bowl. DeBeor went 9 and 4 in his first year. This year he is 8 and 2 with an embarrassing loss to a dog sh*t program (FSU). Drink has a 25 to 23 overall SEC record. Chesney has taken over cratering programs and made them competitive, but does his experience translate to B10 play? So, yes, they are not comparable, but for other reasons than wins/losses.

Chesney is a high risk, high reward hire if his experience at lower levels translate to B10 play. The other two are known commodities

Seems there's a lot of pluses and minuses with each of Chesney, DeBoer, and Drink. Chesney's lack of P4 experience, DeBoer good-not-great success at Bama, and the fact that he jumped ship after just 2 years at Washington, and now again at Bama? Are we going to be concerned after 2 seasons here? At Bama, maybe the old adage "be the guy who follows the guy who followed the legend" is appropriate here?
And Drink... similar ceiling in the SEC as Franklin in the B1G?
I guess Hartline is out of the running.
I'm skeptical of any of these hires being here longer than 4 years. And is that enough time to get to the 10+ win plateau to reach the playoffs consistently?
I think 8-4 is about guaranteed for 2026. Then the real expectations set in.

 

[Anon1763735169]

Deboer or Chesney, I will be happy with either one. Is Deboer really in play?

Yes. It's more than just smoke.

 

[Midnighter]

Seems there's a lot of pluses and minuses with each of Chesney, DeBoer, and Drink. Chesney's lack of P4 experience, DeBoer good-not-great success at Bama, and the fact that he jumped ship after just 2 years at Washington, and now again at Bama? Are we going to be concerned after 2 seasons here? At Bama, maybe the old adage "be the guy who follows the guy who followed the legend" is appropriate here?
And Drink... similar ceiling in the SEC as Franklin in the B1G?
I guess Hartline is out of the running.
I'm skeptical of any of these hires being here longer than 4 years. And is that enough time to get to the 10+ win plateau to reach the playoffs consistently?
I think 8-4 is about guaranteed for 2026. Then the real expectations set in.

Part of it is the new reality of college football - we're likely not going to get another coach for a decade plus. I think your plusses and minuses are legit, but DeBoer leaving after two years isn't as big of a concern for me - he was obviously looking to move after success in Washington and Bama is too good to turn down. But, I think it's a place where if you're not in the NC game every year, the locals get agitated. Penn State has shown a willingness to allow a coach to get his feet under him, and that they are willing to commit big time to support him. There aren't a lot of jobs like that. Right now, my preferences would be DeBoer, Chesney, then Drink (of known candidates). I think all these guys can coach ball and that IMO is what's needed after the CEO approach.

 

[Bob78]

Part of it is the new reality of college football - we're likely not going to get another coach for a decade plus. I think your plusses and minuses are legit, but DeBoer leaving after two years isn't as big of a concern for me - he was obviously looking to move after success in Washington and Bama is too good to turn down. But, I think it's a place where if you're not in the NC game every year, the locals get agitated. Penn State has shown a willingness to allow a coach to get his feet under him, and that they are willing to commit big time to support him. There aren't a lot of jobs like that. Right now, my preferences would be DeBoer, Chesney, then Drink (of known candidates). I think all these guys can coach ball and that IMO is what's needed after the CEO approach.

I'm with you.
I'm just pleasantly that DeBoer is in play! That drops Drink down a notch, imo.

 

[Mufasa94]

Great article from the Atlantic on the mindset of the college fan. Extrapolating to the Franklin situation (Richt is used in the article since he is now living in GA), fans failed to get an endorphin rush from 10-2. The expectation was to win the favored games, and hopefully pull out an OSU or UM win on occasion. The goal posts are always moving as you win. Fans want more, even outside of HV. Football season became very 'predictable " for PSU. JF got 86ed because he wasn't providing us with that surge of positive emotion any longer. GA no longer get a high from the Cocktail Party win over UF. SEC title means nothing. It is win it all or bust. I imagine that's what KD is feeling from the Bama fans. Winning doesn't feel as good as losing hurts. "We" feel we deserve more but we are not alone.

Can college football fans still enjoy a season without expecting the Playoff — or more? snippet...​

Georgia’s title was supposed to be life-changing. But everyone’s lives are still pretty much the same. They just want more. And not just that: Even wonderful experiences from the past, when repeated, just can’t bring the same euphoria. There was a time when beating Florida in the Cocktail Party rivalry would be an unquestioned highlight of the year; now that Georgia has won eight of the past nine against the Gators, it’s hard to remember that winning that game is supposed to be a big deal. You just get used to all the winning. You can’t help but take it for granted

I disagree with this. While there was certainly frustration with the continuing expected losses to tOSU and Michigan (with Oregon now added), Franklin got 86ed for for those inexcusable losses (and team efforts) vs UCLA and NW.

If they had only lost to tOSU and Oregon, he would not have been 86ed. Maybe encouraged to look elsewhere, but that is a whole lot different.

 

[NittanyBoy88]

Kiffin to Bama if KDB to us. Bank on it