After 11 and a half seasons, the James Franklin era at Penn State has officially come to a close. The move was announced by athletic director Pat Kraft following a tough three-game skid that effectively derailed what many believed could be a serious College Football Playoff run. For a program with championship aspirations, the recent slide proved too much to overlook - and now, the Nittany Lions are in the market for a new leader.
This marks a pivotal moment for Penn State football. Franklin brought stability and relevance back to the program after the post-Paterno years, delivering consistent Top 25 finishes and a Big Ten title in 2016.
But in recent seasons, the gap between Penn State and the conference’s elite - namely Michigan and Ohio State - became harder to ignore. The expectations in Happy Valley aren’t just about 10-win seasons anymore.
They’re about rings, banners, and playoff berths.
So, where does Penn State go from here?
The coaching search is already underway, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory. Kraft is casting a wide net, and the early list includes a mix of rising stars, proven program-builders, and even some familiar names with ties to the Nittany Lions.
Among the names generating buzz:
- Kalen DeBoer: The Washington head coach has rapidly built a reputation as one of college football’s best offensive minds. His ability to develop quarterbacks and elevate a program quickly makes him a compelling candidate. DeBoer has shown he can win big - and win fast - which could be exactly what Penn State needs to stay competitive in a loaded Big Ten.
- Bob Chesney: A less familiar name nationally, but Chesney has quietly built a strong résumé. His track record of turning programs around and creating winning cultures has caught the attention of decision-makers. He may not be the splashiest hire, but don’t count him out as a serious contender.
- Marcus Freeman: The current Notre Dame head coach has been linked to the job, and while he’s still early in his tenure in South Bend, his ties to Big Ten country and defensive pedigree make him a natural fit. If he’s open to a new challenge, Penn State could be a logical landing spot.
- Eli Drinkwitz: Missouri’s head coach has elevated the Tigers in the SEC, and his offensive creativity is well-known. He’s another name to watch as the search unfolds, especially if Penn State wants to inject new energy into its offensive identity.
- Terry Smith: A longtime assistant at Penn State, Smith is well-respected within the program and has deep recruiting ties, especially in Pennsylvania. While he may not be the frontrunner, his presence on the list signals the program’s desire to maintain continuity and reward loyalty - even as it looks to the future.
This coaching search won’t be rushed. Kraft has made it clear that he’s committed to finding the right fit - not just for the short term, but for the next chapter of Penn State football. Whether the process takes days or stretches into the offseason, the focus is on securing a leader who can take the Nittany Lions from perennial contender to true national title threat.
As the search continues, expect more names to emerge and the conversation to evolve. But one thing is certain: Penn State’s next hire will be tasked with more than just winning games. They’ll be expected to win big - and soon.