Penn State athletic director Pat Kraft issued a public apology Monday after a leaked internal video of him addressing players circulated online, intensifying scrutiny during the school’s high-pressure coaching search.
Matt Campbell was eventually named head coach of the Nittany Lions after 50 days of candidates turning down the position. Kraft called the situation “embarrassing” and apologized “to anybody that I may have offended," according to ESPN’s Max Olson.
The leak came just days after Penn State missed on top target Kalani Sitake, adding urgency as the school ultimately hiring Campbell to replace longtime coach James Franklin.
The audio and how it came to light was never discussed by Kraft. However, it may have been recorded illegally in Pennsylvania, a two-party consent state. In the clip, posted by Dead Air Sports, he said he would “be fired” if he chose the wrong coach and bluntly questioned, “How could you f— up Penn State?”
Kraft also referenced Franklin’s departure, saying he fired him to avoid “settling for second best,” and suggested interim coach Terry Smith was unlikely to get the job despite a strong finish. He also criticized rival programs Oregon, Ohio State and Michigan while lamenting recruits who followed Franklin to Virginia Tech.
Not a good look for Kraft as Penn State's NIL pool ranks “top four” nationally, but only has two recruits in the 2026 class.
Kraft had to do something, and by landing Campbell, the uncomfortable fallout ended. Now the rest of the Big Ten is left wondering if Penn State will be taken seriously at a pivotal moment for the program.
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