James Franklin is out as Penn State’s head coach, and the hunt for a new head coach has commenced. Despite the rumors, two candidates stand out.
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti is no longer an option after signing his massive contract worth $93 million through eight years. However, there is still an option in the Big Ten.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule is one who has tied to Penn State. In just two seasons, he led Nebraska to its first bowl game in eight seasons and has posted a 7-6 record with an underclassman at quarterback.
Nebraska started with a 5-1 record last season before collapsing in the second half of the season. Despite their record at the end of the year, the Huskers have turned numerous heads with a scorching start to the season. This season is much the same as Nebraska at 5-2 and is currently unranked. But riding off the potential they built up. Rhule previously coached the Carolina Panthers from 2020-2022, which failed miserably. However, that experiment was not his fault; he was just put in a bad situation.
Matt Rhule was asked about being the next Penn State head coach. He mentioned how he grew up as a fan of the school and had nothing bad to say about the program. What everyone failed to ask was this a dream job? Rhule was a linebacker under coach Joe Paterno in the mid-90s and even stayed on as a volunteer coach in Happy Valley.
The next candidate is Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman. While some believe he’s set up for success in South Bend, think twice. A move to Penn State could be the career move he needs.
Freeman has a 32-9 record at Notre Dame and led them to a 14-2 record and an appearance in the CFP National Championship game last season. He has shown from day one that he can win, and that he can change the culture of a program. Notre Dame is ranked No. 12 after starting the season 0-2. Their worst since Freeman’s first season as the head coach.
With Freeman’s current success, is it worth leaving for a program that is still trying to achieve what he has already done?
Terry Smith has been named the interim head coach in Happy Valley. But he has already lost his debut game against Iowa, 25-24. The struggles could continue with Ohio State and Indiana on the schedule in back-to-back weeks.
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