Paul Finebaum takes strong stance on Matt Rhule comments, Penn State job: 'He did everything but beg'

Paul Finebaum is of the opinion that Matt Rhule really wants the Penn State job, despite being locked in at Nebraska right now. Rhule is in the middle of Year 3 with the Huskers but is a former Nittany Lion linebacker after all.

Despite Rhule’s ties to Penn State, he’s never coached in a significant role for the school. In 2023, he took over at Nebraska. In his first two seasons at the helm of the program, he led Nebraska to a combined 12-13 record. Naturally, he was asked about the Penn State opening and situation Monday.

His name has been linked since Penn State fired James Franklin Sunday. He’ll likely be a name to watch until there’s a firm no on both sides or the Nittany Lions hire someone else.

“He did everything but beg Kraft to hire him,” Finebaum said on SportsCenter. “Usually coaches say, I’m happy with my job. I don’t want any part of it. But the very first thing he said, I love Penn State. I met my wife there. I wore a Penn State Jersey in the crib. And then later on, he mentioned how much he likes, love-like where he is. I have never heard anybody wanting a job more than Matt Rhule.

“By the way, he’s a very good choice. I mean, in addition to the relationship with the AD, he is a Penn State man. You’ve been there enough time that really matters in Happy Valley.”

Nebraska is off to its best start yet under Rhule this season, sitting at 5-1. Most recently, the Cornhuskers defeated Maryland 34-31 on Saturday.

“I’m not going to talk a lot about job openings when they come,” Rhule said, per The Athletic‘s Mitch Sherman. “I’m not going to talk about my contract here… I absolutely love it here. I want to continue to take the steps needed to turn this place into a beast.”

Penn State would have to pay in the range of $5 million to get Rhule out of his contract with Nebraska. However, money reportedly won’t be an issue for the school.

“First, to be clear, money is not an object,” ESPN’s Heather Dinich said on Monday. “They can go after whoever they want to replace James Franklin. There’s not a rush to do that — they want to take their time and see how the rest of the season unfolds.”