Skip to main content
Penn State

Penn State football is hiring as the 2025 season approaches; here's what the Lions are looking for

Greg Pickelby: Greg Pickel07/09/25GregPickel
James Franklin, Penn State
Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin on the sideline during the third quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Illinois 21-7. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

Did you play college football? Do you hold a Bachelor’s degree and are interested in pursuing a Master’s degree? If you can answer yes to both questions, you might be just the person James Franklin is looking to add to his 12th staff at Penn State before the 2025 season starts. The Nittany Lions are seeking a graduate assistant to join their staff, a new job posting shows.

“Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:  Responsible for specifically designated aspects of the football program, exercises independent judgment in providing technical expertise in the fundamentals of football, teaching student-athletes basic and advanced skills,” a posting for the position reads.

“Assist with preparation for practices, game management for home games and team travel responsibilities. Candidates will also assist with community relations and outreach activities as well as work summer camps and clinics as needed.”

Penn State continues to add staff after years of being behind in that department. The Lions now list three coordinators, nine position coaches, the two current GAs, and 13 analysts in their staff directory. That last group ranges from Trace McSorley, who is the assistant quarterbacks coach, to Brent Zdebski, who joined the Lions when Jim Knowles was hired and holds the title of defensive analyst and analytics coordinator. Two special teams helpers are part of the group, as well. They collectively help on the practice field and in the film room with everything from self-scouting to game planning to transfer portal and high school prospect scouting and so much more.

Penn State 2025 staff roundup

It’s been a busy offseason for Franklin. He had to hire the aforementioned Knowles to replace Tom Allen. Then, he picked Stan Drayton to replace Ja’Juan Seider, who left his longtime running backs coach post in State College for the same job at Notre Dame. Behind the scenes, there are many new faces. That list includes:

Matt Colangelo – Special teams analyst

Shane Eachus – Defensive analyst and analytics coordinator

Greg Gattuso – Senior defensive analyst

Andrew Jackson – Assistant defensive line coach

Trace McSorley – Assistant quarterbacks coach

Allen Tucker – Special teams analyst

Brent Zdebski – Defensive analyst and analytics coordinator

Naz Oliver – Recruiting coordinator

Aeneas Hawkins – Assistant Director of Player Advancement & Revenue Sharing Strategy

Penn State opens the 2025 season on Aug. 30. It hosts Nevada then for the first of three non-conference clashes in as many weeks. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. ET. CBS will televise the game.

You may also like