Penn State Football Coaching Staff Update: Who’s In, Who’s Out, and What’s Next
As Penn State football prepares for its upcoming bowl game and looks ahead to the 2026 season, change is in the air. The transition from the 2025 coaching staff to new head coach Matt Campbell’s regime is in full swing, and there’s a lot to unpack - from short-term bowl assignments to long-term hires. Let’s break down what we know so far, position by position.
Offensive Coordinator
- 2025: Andy Kotelnicki
- Pinstripe Bowl: Andy Kotelnicki
- 2026: Taylor Mouser
This one’s clean-cut. Kotelnicki will finish out his second season as Penn State’s offensive coordinator by calling plays in the Pinstripe Bowl.
After that, Taylor Mouser - who worked under Campbell at Iowa State - takes the reins. Mouser brings familiarity with Campbell’s system and will also coach tight ends in 2026.
Kotelnicki’s next move hasn’t been announced yet.
Defensive Coordinator
- 2025: Jim Knowles
- Pinstripe Bowl: Anthony Poindexter
- 2026: TBD
This is the biggest remaining question. Knowles is on his way to Tennessee, and Poindexter will serve as the interim DC for the bowl. Campbell is expected to take his time with this hire, and there’s no shortage of options.
One name that’s surfaced is USC’s D’Anton Lynn, a Penn State alum. While the fit makes sense on paper, his buyout could be a stumbling block.
Jon Heacock, Campbell’s longtime defensive coordinator at Iowa State, is expected to be part of the staff in some capacity - possibly even as DC - and other assistants from Iowa State could also be in the mix. Expect external candidates to be considered as well.
Quarterbacks Coach
- 2025: Danny O’Brien
- Pinstripe Bowl: Trace McSorley
- 2026: Jake Waters
O’Brien is heading to Virginia Tech, and in a full-circle moment, former Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley will coach the position during the bowl game. Jake Waters, who has worked with quarterbacks under Campbell, will take over in 2026. It wouldn’t be surprising if McSorley sticks around in some capacity - possibly as an assistant QBs coach.
Running Backs Coach
- 2025: Stan Drayton
- Pinstripe Bowl: Stan Drayton
- 2026: TBD
Drayton is set to join South Carolina’s staff after the bowl game. With his departure, this becomes another open position.
A few names are circulating - including Elijah Brooks and E.J. Barthel - but this search appears wide open.
Don’t rule out the possibility of Campbell shifting an existing staffer to this role to get the right fit across the board.
Wide Receivers Coach
- 2025: Marques Hagans
- Pinstripe Bowl: Marques Hagans
- 2026: Noah Pauley
This could be one of the most impactful upgrades on the offensive side of the ball. Pauley is widely regarded as one of the top wide receiver coaches in the country.
He’ll inherit a position group that’s struggled in recent years, and his arrival signals a renewed emphasis on development at the position. Hagans’ next move hasn’t been announced.
Tight Ends Coach
- 2025: Ty Howle
- Pinstripe Bowl: Bill Queisert
- 2026: Taylor Mouser
Howle is leaving to be the offensive coordinator at Virginia Tech. For the bowl game, Queisert will fill in, but Mouser - who’s also the new OC - will coach tight ends in 2026. That dual role is something he’s handled before under Campbell.
Offensive Line Coach
- 2025: Phil Trautwein
- Pinstripe Bowl: Phil Trautwein
- 2026: Ryan Clanton
Trautwein will coach through the bowl game before heading to Florida. Clanton, one of Campbell’s first hires, will take over the offensive line in 2026. Known for his development work in the trenches, Clanton brings a physical, detail-oriented approach that fits Campbell’s offensive identity.
Defensive Line Coach
- 2025: Deion Barnes
- Pinstripe Bowl: Deion Barnes
- 2026: TBD
This could be one of the few carryovers from the previous staff. Barnes, a former Nittany Lion himself, is expected to remain on staff, though nothing official has been announced yet. He’s well-regarded by players and coaches alike, and keeping him would bring some continuity to the defensive front.
Linebackers Coach
- 2025: Dan Connor
- Pinstripe Bowl: Dan Connor
- 2026: TBD
Connor, another Penn State alum, is also expected to stay, though his 2026 role hasn’t been formally confirmed. He’s earned respect within coaching circles and could be a future candidate for defensive coordinator down the line. For now, he’ll lead the linebackers in the bowl game.
Cornerbacks Coach
- 2025: Terry Smith / Jordan Lucas
- Pinstripe Bowl: Jordan Lucas
- 2026: TBD
Smith coached corners until stepping into the interim head coach role, with Lucas taking over the position group late in the season. Smith will return in 2026 as associate head coach, but his positional role hasn’t been finalized. It’s possible he slides back into coaching corners, with Lucas staying on as an assistant.
Safeties Coach
- 2025: Anthony Poindexter
- Pinstripe Bowl: Anthony Poindexter
- 2026: TBD / Deon Broomfield
Poindexter is coaching safeties through the bowl, but his future beyond that is uncertain. He’s respected within the program, and there may be efforts to keep him in some role.
Meanwhile, Deon Broomfield - who coached safeties under Campbell at Iowa State - is officially joining the staff. His exact role is still to be determined, but he’s another coach with a rising profile and long-term potential.
Special Teams Coordinator
- 2025: Justin Lustig
- Pinstripe Bowl: Justin Lustig
- 2026: TBD
Lustig is not expected to return, and his next stop hasn’t been announced. It’s worth watching whether Campbell opts to hire a dedicated special teams coordinator or distributes those responsibilities among assistants - a model he’s used before.
Final Thoughts
This staff overhaul is a mix of familiar faces and fresh hires, with Matt Campbell putting his stamp on the program while retaining some key internal pieces. There are still a few important hires left to make - especially on the defensive side - but the early moves reflect a clear vision: player development, continuity where it matters, and a coaching staff built to compete in the Big Ten right away.
The Pinstripe Bowl will be the bridge between eras, and while the full 2026 picture isn’t complete yet, the foundation is starting to take shape.