Andy Kotelnicki pressed on if he will pass play-calling duties to someone else amid Penn State struggles

The heat has been on Penn State offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki this season, as his unit has not produced the way many would have expected. Questions have rolled in about whether he might give up play-calling duties.

While Penn State’s scoring offense ranks 37th nationally, with the team averaging 34.0 points per game, its total offense checks in at just 99th. The team is averaging just 355.0 yards per outing.

So might there be a change with Andy Kotelnicki? Someone else taking over, perhaps?

“I haven’t had that thought. We always collaborate as an offensive staff when we go through things,” Kotelnicki said. “So you asked about getting other peoples’ thoughts, and we do. We always collaborate. We do that together. But no I haven’t thought about retiring as a play-caller or giving it up.”

Quarterback Drew Allar was not having a great season before he went out for the year with an injury. Under Andy Kotelnicki’s guidance, he had thrown three interceptions in his final four games, including a loss to Northwestern in which he threw for just 137 yards and was picked off once.

Ethan Grunkemeyer hasn’t fared much better in his stead. He’s gone 23-of-39 passing for 198 yards and a touchdown, against two interceptions.

Perhaps more incriminating, Penn State has yet to really get its two marquee tailbacks going to the point that they are able to take over games. While Kaytron Allen has logged 612 yards, Nicholas Singleton has tallied just 274.

Bottom line: Andy Kotelnicki’s group is not faring as expected. He doesn’t even seem to have a great explanation for the struggles.

“I don’t know, you know what I mean,” Kotelnicki said. “That answer could be so long and into stuff. But the reality is, it’s just, you know, it hasn’t gone like we’re hoping. And what do you do? You go to the next play, you go to the next game, you go to the next moment and opportunity, but I don’t really have a good explanation for where it is.

“You know what I’m saying? Or where it was I should say. I’m more focused on what it’s got to be by next week. Do you know what I mean? So … really not a lot to say.”