OT: Solid NYT article about state of the program and coaching search big board....

[Midnighter]

The article grades PSU on several different factors - read below:

Can Penn State win bigger without James Franklin? Coaching search report card, candidates

Penn State is a top-10 or top-15 job in college football that has plenty of recent success and resources, making it an attractive opening.

www.nytimes.com

This one is the capper:

Overall: A​

This is one of the best jobs in college football, in the top 10 or top 15, and it’s the rare opportunity to take over one of these programs coming off recent big-time success. We don’t know how the rest of the season will turn out, especially with Allar’s injury, but Penn State was a drive away from playing for the national championship last season and had high preseason expectations this year before everything unraveled after Oregon. Its resources and history will make this a sought-after job. The expectations will be sky-high, but any coach would welcome that.

Their Big Board is:

Matt Rhule
Curt Cignetti
Matt Campbell
Brian Kelly
Lane Kiffin
Eli Drinkwitz
Rhett Lashlee
Jon Sumrall
Manny Diaz
PJ Fleck
Frank Brown
Lance Leipold
Mike Elko

@Tom McAndrew - if you feel this is duplicative, please feel free to move. Thanks!

 

[Midnighter]

Also interesting grade on finances:

Money matters: A​

Penn State, which is in the middle of a $700 million renovation of Beaver Stadium, will pay a boatload of money to get rid of Franklin because it has even more to replace him. The Nittany Lions are right near the top of the Big Ten, the sport’s richest conference, in funds, with an $246 million athletics endowment, second only to Michigan. The Big Ten is also close to agreeing on an infusion of private capital worth nine figures per school, and Penn State just announced a switch from longtime partner Nike to a 10-year deal with Adidas. The program also got aligned on NIL, leading to so many key players returning this season.

If Penn State was willing to go all-in on getting rid of Franklin at that cost, it will go all-in on doing whatever it takes to get the next head coach.

 

[Ram20]

Maybe im too optimistic, but as someone calling for Franklin to be gone after Oregon, I understand the risks involved. I think Penn State, in its current iteration(and due in large part to Franklin's influence) is an extremely coveted opportunity for almost any coach in football.

 

[Midnighter]

Maybe im too optimistic, but as someone calling for Franklin to be gone after Oregon, I understand the risks involved. I think Penn State, in its current iteration(and due in large part to Franklin's influence) is an extremely coveted opportunity for almost any coach in football.

Since 1966 (Paterno) we've had three head coaches. OSU has had seven. It's a rare opportunity for someone to get the keys to a blue blood with a new stadium and athletic rebrand; we'll see who's interested...

 

[DaytonRickster]

The article grades PSU on several different factors - read below:

Can Penn State win bigger without James Franklin? Coaching search report card, candidates

Penn State is a top-10 or top-15 job in college football that has plenty of recent success and resources, making it an attractive opening.

www.nytimes.com

This one is the capper:

Overall: A​

This is one of the best jobs in college football, in the top 10 or top 15, and it’s the rare opportunity to take over one of these programs coming off recent big-time success. We don’t know how the rest of the season will turn out, especially with Allar’s injury, but Penn State was a drive away from playing for the national championship last season and had high preseason expectations this year before everything unraveled after Oregon. Its resources and history will make this a sought-after job. The expectations will be sky-high, but any coach would welcome that.

Their Big Board is:

Matt Rhule
Curt Cignetti
Matt Campbell
Brian Kelly
Lane Kiffin
Eli Drinkwitz
Rhett Lashlee
Jon Sumrall
Manny Diaz
PJ Fleck
Frank Brown
Lance Leipold
Mike Elko

@Tom McAndrew - if you feel this is duplicative, please feel free to move. Thanks!

-Definite NO to Ruhl
- I think Cignetti stays at IU and retires from there
- Matt Campbell, no thanks, like Franklin, good but not good enough
- Eli Drinkwitz, don't know enough about him other than he rebuilt Mizzou
- Brian Kelley. No thanks, also kinda like Franklin, unable to climb to the top given the talent he attracts
- John Sumraill & Rhett Lashlee (young and aggressive.
- Manny Diaz, very familiar with PSU. His defenses are too risk/reward for me. I think he wants to remain in the South
- Fran Brown, another young guy but hasn't done much at Cuse. Was a solid assistant under Kirby Smart @ UGA
- P.J. Feck, like Ruhl, hard pass
- Lance Leipold, was outstanding @ lower level, lifted Kansas up but not challenging for Big XII title
- Elko, is the guy I like most on this list but would be hard to lure away from A&M

 

[Bwifan]

The article grades PSU on several different factors - read below:

Can Penn State win bigger without James Franklin? Coaching search report card, candidates

Penn State is a top-10 or top-15 job in college football that has plenty of recent success and resources, making it an attractive opening.

www.nytimes.com

This one is the capper:

Overall: A​

This is one of the best jobs in college football, in the top 10 or top 15, and it’s the rare opportunity to take over one of these programs coming off recent big-time success. We don’t know how the rest of the season will turn out, especially with Allar’s injury, but Penn State was a drive away from playing for the national championship last season and had high preseason expectations this year before everything unraveled after Oregon. Its resources and history will make this a sought-after job. The expectations will be sky-high, but any coach would welcome that.

Their Big Board is:

Matt Rhule
Curt Cignetti
Matt Campbell
Brian Kelly
Lane Kiffin
Eli Drinkwitz
Rhett Lashlee
Jon Sumrall
Manny Diaz
PJ Fleck
Frank Brown
Lance Leipold
Mike Elko

@Tom McAndrew - if you feel this is duplicative, please feel free to move. Thanks!

For me off that list the one's I want and would talk to are
Curt Cignetti
Matt Campbell
Lane Kiffin
Jon Sumrall
Mike Elko

** I like Matt Rhule but just don't see the fit here anymore. At this point it would be more a lateral move for PSU.

 

[Lion84]

I would vote for Lane Kiffin - He can bring his Daughter along from USC to help the Women's V-Ball Team as well.

 

[Midnighter]

-Definite NO to Ruhl
- I think Cignetti stays at IU and retires from there
- Matt Campbell, no thanks, like Franklin, good but not good enough
- Eli Drinkwitz, don't know enough about him other than he rebuilt Mizzou
- Brian Kelley. No thanks, also kinda like Franklin, unable to climb to the top given the talent he attracts
- John Sumraill & Rhett Lashlee (young and aggressive.
- Manny Diaz, very familiar with PSU. His defenses are too risk/reward for me. I think he wants to remain in the South
- Fran Brown, another young guy but hasn't done much at Cuse. Was a solid assistant under Kirby Smart @ UGA
- P.J. Feck, like Ruhl, hard pass
- Lance Leipold, was outstanding @ lower level, lifted Kansas up but not challenging for Big XII title
- Elko, is the guy I like most on this list but would be hard to lure away from A&M

To me none of these guys are significant upgrades - maybe Cignetti but I don’t think building entire rosters via the portal is sustainable. He’s going to have to recruit top talent at some point.

 

[DaytonRickster]

For me off that list the one's I want and would talk to are
Curt Cignetti
Matt Campbell
Lane Kiffin
Jon Sumrall
Mike Elko

** I like Matt Rhule but just don't see the fit here anymore. At this point it would be more a lateral move for PSU.

Clark Leah at Vandy intrigues me. He has used the portal, developed those players, and built a solid SEC team. Also younger.

 

[TheWizardofCamelot]

To me none of these guys are significant upgrades - maybe Cignetti but I don’t think building entire rosters via the portal is sustainable. He’s going to have to recruit top talent at some point.

Cig has to at IU though. The recruiting base at PSU is much better than IU.

The biggest downfall for Cig is that he's 64. Is that too old? Why would he want to leave IU at this point.

 

[donaldfair71]

Maybe im too optimistic, but as someone calling for Franklin to be gone after Oregon, I understand the risks involved. I think Penn State, in its current iteration(and due in large part to Franklin's influence) is an extremely coveted opportunity for almost any coach in football.

You're not too optimistic.

It's a Blue Chip job.

 

[Bwifan]

Clark Leah at Vandy intrigues me. He has used the portal, developed those players, and built a solid SEC team. Also younger.

Not on the NYT list but Hartline the OSU OC/WR coach. Guy has recruited, developed and churned out All American WR's for years and now is calling the plays at OSU. Also already has relationships with many of the high school coaches for recruiting. I would talk to him as well.

 

[donaldfair71]

To me none of these guys are significant upgrades - maybe Cignetti but I don’t think building entire rosters via the portal is sustainable. He’s going to have to recruit top talent at some point.

It's funny, we usually agree on most/all things, but I see all except Rhule as the status quo as a minimum. But, with the exception of Rhule, provide a higher ceiling.

I am wondering where the following are:

Shannon Dawson, OC at Miami
Alex Golesh
Mike Shanahan, OC at Indiana

 

[CoreyG83]

I vote for Brian Hartline

 

[DaytonRickster]

Not on the NYT list but Hartline the OSU OC/WR coach. Guy has recruited, developed and churned out All American WR's for years and now is calling the plays at OSU. Also already has relationships with many of the high school coaches for recruiting. I would talk to him as well.

I would think he might be OSU "coach in waiting" to replace Day if he wins another Natty and heads back to the NFL. Certainly Kraft should talk with him.

 

[DaytonRickster]

It's funny, we usually agree on most/all things, but I see all except Rhule as the status quo as a minimum. But, with the exception of Rhule, provide a higher ceiling.

I am wondering where the following are:

Shannon Dawson, OC at Miami
Alex Golesh
Mike Shanahan, OC at Indiana

Don't know much about them other than their recent successes.
I assume they are all younger? How about their regional & national recruiting contacts?

 

[donaldfair71]

Don't know much about them other than their recent successes.
I assume they are all younger? How about their regional & national recruiting contacts?

Shanahan is a PA native, played at Pitt, coached almost exclusively with Cig. He is 34.
Golesh is 43 I believe, from Ohio, GA at Ohio State, came up through there until hooking up with Heupel at UCF then ran his offense.
Dawson is 48, has fewer ties locally but is apparently really respected on the offensive side. Air Raid guy, came up through the Holgerson system.

 

[84lion]

Rhule has Nebraska at 5-1 - and #25 in the AP poll this week. Given where they were a couple years ago...that's rather impressive.

Cignetti has Indiana at #3. That's impressive too.

I think Rhule is being undervalued. He's taken on some tough jobs at struggling schools and lifted the programs up to respectability. With Penn State, the "respectability" is already there. Worth taking a shot with him.

You know, if Nebraska could finish up 10-2, they might...might...have a decent shot at the playoff. Given their remaining schedule, I wouldn't put that out of the realm of possibility.

Cignetti is older than I am, and I'm retired. Then again, I did retire early. If he wants a good shot at a NC, Penn State would be a great opportunity...if he doesn't get it at Indiana first.

 

[olelion]

The article grades PSU on several different factors - read below:

Can Penn State win bigger without James Franklin? Coaching search report card, candidates

Penn State is a top-10 or top-15 job in college football that has plenty of recent success and resources, making it an attractive opening.

www.nytimes.com

This one is the capper:

Overall: A​

This is one of the best jobs in college football, in the top 10 or top 15, and it’s the rare opportunity to take over one of these programs coming off recent big-time success. We don’t know how the rest of the season will turn out, especially with Allar’s injury, but Penn State was a drive away from playing for the national championship last season and had high preseason expectations this year before everything unraveled after Oregon. Its resources and history will make this a sought-after job. The expectations will be sky-high, but any coach would welcome that.

Their Big Board is:

Matt Rhule
Curt Cignetti
Matt Campbell
Brian Kelly
Lane Kiffin
Eli Drinkwitz
Rhett Lashlee
Jon Sumrall
Manny Diaz
PJ Fleck
Frank Brown
Lance Leipold
Mike Elko

@Tom McAndrew - if you feel this is duplicative, please feel free to move. Thanks!

Other than cignetti, I hope the name is absent from this list

 

[olelion]

-Definite NO to Ruhl
- I think Cignetti stays at IU and retires from there
- Matt Campbell, no thanks, like Franklin, good but not good enough
- Eli Drinkwitz, don't know enough about him other than he rebuilt Mizzou
- Brian Kelley. No thanks, also kinda like Franklin, unable to climb to the top given the talent he attracts
- John Sumraill & Rhett Lashlee (young and aggressive.
- Manny Diaz, very familiar with PSU. His defenses are too risk/reward for me. I think he wants to remain in the South
- Fran Brown, another young guy but hasn't done much at Cuse. Was a solid assistant under Kirby Smart @ UGA
- P.J. Feck, like Ruhl, hard pass
- Lance Leipold, was outstanding @ lower level, lifted Kansas up but not challenging for Big XII title
- Elko, is the guy I like most on this list but would be hard to lure away from A&M

People seem to forget that Diaz was an absolute failure at Miami. Let him hang at Duke and make them competitive. And please don't forget that the overwhelming majority of "coordinators" are play callers.

 

[donaldfair71]

Rhule has Nebraska at 5-1 - and #25 in the AP poll this week. Given where they were a couple years ago...that's rather impressive.

Cignetti has Indiana at #3. That's impressive too.

I think Rhule is being undervalued. He's taken on some tough jobs at struggling schools and lifted the programs up to respectability. With Penn State, the "respectability" is already there. Worth taking a shot with him.

You know, if Nebraska could finish up 10-2, they might...might...have a decent shot at the playoff. Given their remaining schedule, I wouldn't put that out of the realm of possibility.

Cignetti is older than I am, and I'm retired. Then again, I did retire early. If he wants a good shot at a NC, Penn State would be a great opportunity...if he doesn't get it at Indiana first.

Good post.

My problem with Rhule is that he hasn't, at any stop, shown the ability to beat Top 25 teams (let alone Top 10). This is particularly sensitive in this hire, as the likely downfall of Franklin was his inability to do just that. With that knowledge, he will get an even shorter leash than, say, a 1st time coach will, as immediately the media will have their sword.

Going 10-2 or 11-1, without doing so, wouldn't move me to changing my opinion on that.

 

[BobPSU92]

I vote for Brian Hartline

Isn’t one ex-Tosu plant here to sabotage us enough?

 

[Bwifan]

Isn’t one ex-Tosu plant here to sabotage us enough?

Difference is you don't see OSU pushing him out the door like they did with the current PSU DC.

 

[SRURock24]

People seem to forget that Diaz was an absolute failure at Miami. Let him hang at Duke and make them competitive. And please don't forget that the overwhelming majority of "coordinators" are play callers.

In fairness he wasn’t a complete failure. Had them in a bowl game all 3 years and had a winning record.

 

[CoreyG83]

Isn’t one ex-Tosu plant here to sabotage us enough?

Yes, in a conspiracy world but he's not gonna get the OSU HC anytime soon. He recruits great WR's and seems to be a well rounded coordinator even though he doesn't call the plays. He young and has established a pipe line in the northeast and Midwest. Rhule I feel will be a Franklin 2.0, we need a coach to spark the program again.

 

[PrtLng Lion]

Personally I'm not sure if any on that list are what I would have thought of as a "home run" hire. Many of them may well be able to do an excellent job here, but just not the flashy "wow" hire (like Urban Meyer).

Remember some of the names from the last time PSU went through this? (maybe I'm mixing some pre-BOB and pre-JF names) Would you take any of these guys some 11 years later? (just hypothetical, I'm not suggesting they're actual CJF replacement candidates)

Mike Munchak
Chris Petersen
John Gruden
Dan Mullen
Al Golden
Urban Meyer
Greg Schiano
Greg Roman
Larry Johnson Sr.

 

[Midnighter]

Yes, in a conspiracy world but he's not gonna get the OSU HC anytime soon. He recruits great WR's and seems to be a well rounded coordinator even though he doesn't call the plays. He young and has established a pipe line in the northeast and Midwest. Rhule I feel will be a Franklin 2.0, we need a coach to spark the program again.

Rhule has never had the talent he could have at PSU. His record against top teams while coaching at Baylor, Temple, and even Nebraska need to be contextualized; Franklin did have a couple of good wins at Vandy but they were against good programs that were down.

 

[donaldfair71]

Personally I'm not sure if any on that list are what I would have thought of as a "home run" hire. Many of them may well be able to do an excellent job here, but just not the flashy "wow" hire (like Urban Meyer).

Remember some of the names from the last time PSU went through this? (maybe I'm mixing some pre-BOB and pre-JF names) Would you take any of these guys some 11 years later? (just hypothetical, I'm not suggesting they're actual CJF replacement candidates)

Mike Munchak
Chris Petersen
John Gruden
Dan Mullen
Al Golden
Urban Meyer
Greg Schiano
Greg Roman
Larry Johnson Sr.

Good point.

Of that list, the only ones that would move me would be Urban and Mullen, and both only because I think the Portal/NIL movement helps fix some of their issues at the end.

 

[Big_O]

Personally I'm not sure if any on that list are what I would have thought of as a "home run" hire. Many of them may well be able to do an excellent job here, but just not the flashy "wow" hire (like Urban Meyer).

Remember some of the names from the last time PSU went through this? (maybe I'm mixing some pre-BOB and pre-JF names) Would you take any of these guys some 11 years later? (just hypothetical, I'm not suggesting they're actual CJF replacement candidates)

Mike Munchak
Chris Petersen
John Gruden
Dan Mullen
Al Golden
Urban Meyer
Greg Schiano
Greg Roman
Larry Johnson Sr.

Larry Johnson, Sr. must be like 80 years old.

 

[Mr. Potter]

From the original post and the coaches listed. I'd have to go Lane Kiffin.
The problem with me since the NIL came into existence was I still believed PSU FB was where the "Grand Experiment" could continue.

I was naive and I secretly pride myself for being smart. But when it comes to PSU FB it's almost like a love affair. When they are doing amazing can't get enough. When the sh-t hits the fan, I want to leave because I can't adapt to the odor.

Shalom

 

[LB99]

If Rhule didn’t have a past affiliation with PSU, would you guys still be enamored with him? My guess is no. The hard numbers would be pointed out and he would not be considered by many to be anything other than a lateral move. He’s Franklin with less recruiting prowess. However, he “looks the part” of a PSU coach for many, so we’ll ignore the obvious red flags.

 

[donaldfair71]

If Rhule didn’t have a past affiliation with PSU, would you guys still be enamored with him? My guess is no. The hard numbers would be pointed out and he would not be considered by many to be anything other than a lateral move. He’s Franklin with less recruiting prowess. However, he “looks the part” of a PSU coach for many, so we’ll ignore the obvious red flags.

Correct.

Along with the AD connection, it seems like a no-brainer home run but not for reasons of actual coaching.

I would prefer Bill O'Brien to Matt Rhule, and now I will prepare for my flogging.

 

[Nothing Special]

The article grades PSU on several different factors - read below:

Can Penn State win bigger without James Franklin? Coaching search report card, candidates

Penn State is a top-10 or top-15 job in college football that has plenty of recent success and resources, making it an attractive opening.

www.nytimes.com

This one is the capper:

Overall: A​

This is one of the best jobs in college football, in the top 10 or top 15, and it’s the rare opportunity to take over one of these programs coming off recent big-time success. We don’t know how the rest of the season will turn out, especially with Allar’s injury, but Penn State was a drive away from playing for the national championship last season and had high preseason expectations this year before everything unraveled after Oregon. Its resources and history will make this a sought-after job. The expectations will be sky-high, but any coach would welcome that.

Their Big Board is:

Matt Rhule
Curt Cignetti
Matt Campbell
Brian Kelly
Lane Kiffin
Eli Drinkwitz
Rhett Lashlee
Jon Sumrall
Manny Diaz
PJ Fleck
Frank Brown
Lance Leipold
Mike Elko

@Tom McAndrew - if you feel this is duplicative, please feel free to move. Thanks!

If these are the choices, I'd want Drinkwitz. I have to believe that big swings will be taken. I'm hopeful they already have been. The only one on this list that constitutes a "big swing" is Cignetti and I don't see that happening. My two other big swings are Urban Meyer and Marcus Freeman.

 

[PSUcup]

If I were Kraft … After I made Urban say no to the job at least 3 times … Eli Drinkwitz would be my top target

 

[Nothing Special]

Dan Mullen will be a hot name for someone. UNLV is an audition. For some reason, he doesn't appeal to me. But, he will to the people that count.

 

[SRURock24]

Dan Mullen will be a hot name for someone. UNLV is an audition. For some reason, he doesn't appeal to me. But, he will to the people that count.

Good on the field coach but one of the main reasons he was bounced from Florida was for not embracing modern recruiting.

 

[Nits1989]

The article gave PSU an A grade in finances for football.

It kind of shows in recent spending. PSU gave Franklin most of what he wanted for the 2026 season: assistant coach money, NIL money to retain players. They also seriously upgraded team facilities, and are upgrading the stadium. His staff has been significantly increased in size.

But Franklin couldn't close on many 2026 recruits that were allegedly leaning towards PSU.

Why would PSU not give Franklin NIL money for 2026 recruits after giving him everything else? Has this been a put up or shut up season for longer than we think? Was he on the hot seat longer than we thought? There's internet rumor that Adidas wanted a coaching change before the 3 losses.

 

[Midnighter]

The article gave PSU an A grade in finances for football.

It kind of shows in recent spending. PSU gave Franklin most of what he wanted for the 2026 season: assistant coach money, NIL money to retain players. They also seriously upgraded team facilities, and are upgrading the stadium. His staff has been significantly increased in size.

But Franklin couldn't close on many 2026 recruits that were allegedly leaning towards PSU.

Why would PSU not give Franklin NIL money for 2026 recruits after giving him everything else? Has this been a put up or shut up season for longer than we think? Was he on the hot seat longer than we thought? There's internet rumor that Adidas wanted a coaching change before the 3 losses.

Adidas may have wanted a change, but per Kraft PSU athletics is funding the buyout.

 

[Bvillebaron]

Rhule has Nebraska at 5-1 - and #25 in the AP poll this week. Given where they were a couple years ago...that's rather impressive.

Cignetti has Indiana at #3. That's impressive too.

I think Rhule is being undervalued. He's taken on some tough jobs at struggling schools and lifted the programs up to respectability. With Penn State, the "respectability" is already there. Worth taking a shot with him.

You know, if Nebraska could finish up 10-2, they might...might...have a decent shot at the playoff. Given their remaining schedule, I wouldn't put that out of the realm of possibility.

Cignetti is older than I am, and I'm retired. Then again, I did retire early. If he wants a good shot at a NC, Penn State would be a great opportunity...if he doesn't get it at Indiana first.

Rhule is Franklin lite. VERY hard pass.

 

[Bwifan]

Adidas may have wanted a change, but per Kraft PSU athletics is funding the buyout.

With Adidas paying what $300 million to PSU I guess Kraft can pull it from that nugget...