Penn State Eyes Coaching Candidates After James Franklin’s Departure

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — The Penn State Nittany Lions are in the midst of a high-profile coaching search following the firing of longtime head coach James Franklin on Oct. 12. Franklin, who led the program for over a decade, has since taken a position with the Virginia Tech Hokies.

As the Nittany Lions look for a new leader, athletic director Pat Kraft has vowed to conduct a thorough national search for a coach who can bring a “vision of championships” back to State College. Franklin’s dismissal came amid rising expectations for postseason success, making it crucial for Penn State to find a proven winner.

Many names have emerged as potential candidates, with Alabama Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer drawing significant attention. DeBoer, who took over at Alabama after Nick Saban, has a strong track record with a career record of 122-18. He has revitalized programs quickly, evidenced by his success at Washington and Fresno State.

Former NFL player and LSU champion defender Breiden Fehoko recently endorsed DeBoer, claiming the interest from Penn State is very real. “That DeBoer smoke is 100% real now,” he shared on social media, despite some skepticism from fans regarding the move.

DeBoer’s tenure at Alabama has been fruitful, with the team positioned to secure a playoff spot. However, with the Nittany Lions in search of a new direction, the urgency for a decision is growing.

Other candidates mentioned include Indiana’s Curt Cignetti, Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz, and Tulane’s Jon Sumrall, though recent developments suggest DeBoer’s name is at the forefront. Penn State has not hired a head coach since Franklin took over in 2014, making this search even more pivotal for the program’s future.

As speculation continues, Kraft emphasized the need for a coach who embodies Penn State’s values of integrity, accountability, and motivation. With the program eager for a turnaround, the decision on Franklin’s successor could shape the Nittany Lions’ trajectory for years to come.

Whether Penn State can successfully recruit DeBoer, or another top candidate, remains to be seen. Fans are hopeful that a decisive announcement will come soon as the search unfolds.