FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt revealed his top four candidates to replace James Franklin at Penn State, calling the vacancy “one of the biggest openings in college football.”
Franklin was fired midway through his 12th season after a 3-3 start that included losses to winless UCLA, Northwestern and then No. 3 Oregon.
“This is a pivotal moment for Penn State,” Klatt said on The Joel Klatt Show. “Programs with tradition and success can either rise to the next level or fade. The Nittany Lions need a coach who can elevate, not rebuild.”
Curt Cignetti? Brian Hartline?@joelklatt shares his top candidates for the head coaching job at Penn State. pic.twitter.com/wjDE1Qg3Sa
— The Joel Klatt Show: A College Football on FOX Pod (@JoelKlattShow) October 13, 2025
Klatt’s leading candidate is Indiana’s Curt Cignetti, who has put together one of the sport’s most impressive turnarounds as a "Big swing" for Penn State. “After that win over Oregon, I don’t think there’s a hotter name in college football right now,” Klatt said. Cignetti has guided the Hoosiers to a 17-2 record since arriving two years ago.
Another name on Klatt’s list is Duke head coach Manny Diaz, who previously served as Penn State’s defensive coordinator. “He’s doing a really good job at Duke,” Klatt said. “It makes sense for Penn State to call him.” Diaz has gone 13-6 in Durham and revamp his career after a rocky stint at Miami.
Klatt believes Nebraska’s Matt Rhule is also a strong possibility. A Penn State alum and close friend of athletic director Pat Kraft, Rhule has rebuilt programs at Temple and Baylor and now looks to bring Nebraska back. “Matt knows Penn State,” Klatt said. “There’s a relationship there.”
The final name for Klatt was Ohio State offensive coordinator Brian Hartline, who is labeled as being “under the radar.” Hartline has become one of college football’s elite recruiters and developers of talent. “He’s the best recruiter at his position in the last decade,” Klatt said. “He’ll be an incredible head coach someday.”
Whoever takes over in Happy Valley will inherit both the pressure of tradition and the opportunity to restore national prominence. But it comes with a cost. Franklin couldn't keep his job despite a winning record and support from the players.
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