A shocking turn of events has left Penn State football fans reeling, as the university has decided to part ways with head coach James Franklin. This decision, made after a series of unexpected losses, has sparked a heated debate about the future of the team.
But here's where it gets controversial: who will step into Franklin's shoes? The search for a new coach has begun, and there are some intriguing candidates on the horizon.
Two front-runners have emerged, both with strong connections to the Big Ten and local ties. First, we have Curt Cignetti, a 64-year-old Pittsburgh native who has worked wonders at Indiana University. Cignetti's success in turning around the Hoosiers' program and leading them to the College Football Playoff in his first year has many Penn State fans excited. His team's dominant performance against Oregon, a powerhouse in its own right, showcases Cignetti's ability to elevate a program. However, there's a catch - Cignetti would owe Indiana a substantial sum if he were to leave before December.
And this is where the plot thickens. The other leading candidate is Matt Rhule, the current head coach of Nebraska and a former Penn State linebacker. Rhule's connection to Penn State runs deep, having worked with AD Pat Kraft at Temple. Their relationship is described as a strong one, with industry sources claiming, "Matt loves Pat, and Pat loves Matt." Rhule's impressive record at Temple and his ability to turn around a challenging situation at Baylor make him an attractive option.
But will Rhule say yes to his alma mater? It's a tough call, especially with Nebraska improving under his leadership.
If Penn State can't secure either Cignetti or Rhule, the search becomes more challenging. Other potential candidates include Manny Diaz, the former defensive coordinator under Franklin, who has impressed with his work at Duke. Clark Lea, the head coach at Vanderbilt, and Matt Campbell of Iowa State are also well-regarded, with Campbell having led Iowa State to its best season in history.
The Penn State coaching vacancy is a highly coveted position, and the search will undoubtedly spark passionate discussions among fans. Who do you think should be the next head coach? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's discuss the future of Penn State football!
