Jay Paterno, son of the late Penn State coaching legend Joe Paterno joined Gary Sharp and Matt McMaster on 1620 The Zone (Omaha radio station) to discuss Penn State’s current coaching situation. Jay Paterno is a current board of trustees' member for Penn State. The bulk of the interview circled around the Penn State coaching search with an admitted Matt Rhule sized elephant in the room.
How Penn State got here
Almost right out of the gate Gary Sharp asked Paterno how a coach with a 13 wins season in 2024 is currently unemployed? While the three most recent losses in a row were a factor, the issues with Franklin seemed to start long before that. Paterno referenced the 4th game of this current season. A game they were leading by seven in the first overtime. Penn State eventually lost that game 30-24 in double overtime.
Then Paterno circled back to last season. Citing that Penn State won a few games very close and were just as likely to finish 8-4 as they were to win the National Championship. Paterno also detailed that the expectation of "National Championship or bust" mentality had created a toxic environment. To the radio hosts surprise, Paterno then described a situation at a Penn State hockey game where the student section chanted “fire Franklin” each time the opponent scored. Suggesting it reached a noteworthy level when that happens at a non-football event.
The Coaching profile
Given the timing of the firing, Paterno suggested without confirming specifics, that when a coach is fired in October, that program is more likely to look at coaching candidates that have had significant success at a similar level program. The issue with that, is those coaches are most likely busy coaching good teams during good seasons. Alluding to the idea that his coaching search is not likely to be concluded any time soon. Given the gravity of Penn State as a program and its place in college football, it's more important to make the right hire not the quick hire.
Matt Rhule
Obviously when the son of a Penn State legend and current board of trustee member is the guest on a show within the geographic footprint of the University of Nebraska, given his ties to the program, Matt Rhule was going to come up. Paterno acknowledged that as a board of trustee member, he is not directly involved in the coaching search but understood why he was asked to come on the show. Paterno was clear to explain that he does not want to say anything Coach Rhule will have to answer for in a press conference. Paterno spoke positively about Rhule and what he’s done in Nebraska. There are aspects of what he’s built in Lincoln that are aspects Penn State values, like toughness and discipline. Rhule’s previous ties to the program would be nice, but Paterno was very adamant in saying coaching fit is more important than previous ties.
Fit is more important than accolades
Paterno believes that the coaching fit is more important than necessarily hiring the coach with the best resume or Power 4 success. Paterno referenced Rich Rodriguez going to Michigan as an example of the best resume at the time, but not exactly the best fit for that program. In an unexpected twist, Paterno pivoted to the APR. Academic Peformance Rating. This measures a university’s ability to produce well rounded “academic athletes”. Over the last decade, Penn State has ranked 17th in APR in the Big Ten (stat provided by Paterno). Paterno believes whoever the coach will be, must be on board with a dedication to academics. Paterno came back to coaching fit. Claiming, the next coach needs to “understand what we are”.
The coaching search is not likely to be swift. This could and most likely should carry on after the regular season. Depending on what coaches could be on Penn State’s short list, this search could not really get moving until after the College Football Playoff. A number of names that have been floated by the media are currently within striking distance of or in a great position to make the playoff.
Penn State travels to Iowa this week before playing #1 Ohio State and #3 Indiana in consecutive weeks. The Iowa game is scheduled for a 7:00pm eastern start and broadcasting on Peacock.
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