Penn State’s Coaching Search: Momentum, Missed Opportunities, and the Candidates Still in Play
As Penn State continues its search for a new head coach, one thing is already clear: this job opening has made a lot of other coaches very rich. In just the last week, Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz and Vanderbilt’s Clark Lea both inked new deals, joining a growing list of potential candidates who are now officially off the board.
That leaves Penn State athletic director Pat Kraft with a narrowing field-and a big decision looming. With several experienced names locked into new contracts or unlikely to leave their current programs, the Nittany Lions could be looking at a first-time Power 4 head coach. And if that’s the case, the name gaining the most traction inside the locker room is one already on the sideline: interim head coach Terry Smith.
The Push for Terry Smith
Smith has become the emotional favorite among Penn State players and many fans. He’s been a steady presence through the transition and has earned the locker room’s trust. But while the support is strong, the question remains: is momentum enough?
Saturday’s 40-36 win over Rutgers got Penn State back to bowl eligibility, and it came with a gutsy, analytics-backed fourth-down call from Smith that helped seal the game. But it wasn’t a flawless performance.
Rutgers had Penn State on the ropes before Amare Campbell’s fourth-quarter fumble recovery and touchdown swung the momentum. It was a win, but not the kind of dominant statement that might silence doubts about Smith’s readiness for the full-time role.
Off the Board: Big Names, Big Extensions
Several high-profile candidates have either signed new deals or are considered unlikely to leave their current programs. Here’s a quick look at who’s no longer in the mix:
- Curt Cignetti (Indiana): Just landed the job in Bloomington, so he’s off the table.
- Matt Rhule (Nebraska): Staying put after a solid year in Lincoln.
- Mike Elko (Texas A&M): Took the Texas A&M job, removing another top-tier option.
- Eli Drinkwitz (Missouri) and Clark Lea (Vanderbilt): Both secured extensions this week.
- Marcus Freeman (Notre Dame) and Kalen DeBoer (Alabama): Not expected to leave their powerhouse programs.
- Lane Kiffin: Not seen as a likely fit-or flight risk-for Penn State.
Still in the Mix: Who's Rising?
With several options scratched off, attention turns to the candidates still very much in play-some of whom are coming off strong performances in Week 14.
Brian Hartline - Ohio State Offensive Coordinator
Hartline’s stock is rising fast. Ohio State finally got over the hump against Michigan with a win on Saturday-their first since 2019-and Hartline’s fingerprints were all over it.
The wide receiver room he built forced Michigan to play two high safeties, opening up the run game. Then, he leaned into multiple tight end sets to pound out 186 rushing yards and control the tempo.
We already knew Hartline could recruit with the best of them. Now he’s proving he can scheme and call plays at a high level. If Penn State doesn’t give him his first head coaching shot, someone else likely will-and soon.
Bob Chesney - James Madison Head Coach
James Madison isn’t getting much love from the College Football Playoff committee, but that doesn’t take away from what Chesney has accomplished. In just his second year at the helm, he’s led the Dukes to an 11-1 record, including a 59-10 dismantling of Coastal Carolina in Week 14.
Since arriving from Holy Cross, Chesney has gone 20-5. That’s impressive at any level, and it’s the kind of trajectory that gets Power 4 programs to take notice.
Matt Campbell - Iowa State Head Coach
Campbell’s name has been floated in coaching circles for years, and while Iowa State’s 20-13 win over Oklahoma State wasn’t flashy, it marked the fifth time under Campbell that the Cyclones have hit the eight-win mark. That’s not easy to do in Ames.
The question has always been: what could he do with more resources? Penn State might be the place to find out.
Brent Key - Georgia Tech Head Coach
Georgia Tech didn’t pull off the upset against Georgia, but they made it interesting. The Yellow Jackets hung around deep into the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and while a late defensive collapse cost them a shot at the ACC title game, Key’s offensive vision continues to intrigue. If he brings offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner with him, there’s a compelling case to be made for what this staff could build in Happy Valley.
What’s Next?
As the coaching carousel spins into high gear, Penn State’s decision window is tightening. With several big names off the board and a handful of rising stars still in play, the program has to weigh experience versus momentum, upside versus familiarity.
Terry Smith has the locker room. Brian Hartline has the play-calling chops.
Bob Chesney has the win-loss record. And Matt Campbell has the track record of building something out of less.
Each brings something different to the table-and Penn State will have to decide which of those qualities matters most.
One thing’s for sure: the next hire won’t just shape the next few seasons in State College. It’ll define the next era.