Unexpected College Football Coach Floated as Possible Candidate At Penn State
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
The Penn State Nittany Lions were among the first major job openings of the 2025 season after firing head coach James Franklin following a 3-3 start this season.
Franklin served as head coach for 12 seasons and guided Penn State to its first College Football Playoff appearance last season, where it reached the semifinals. However, despite starting the year ranked No. 2 and achieving a 3-0 record, a three-game losing streak ultimately led to his dismissal.
It’s uncertain who will replace Franklin as coach in Happy Valley. Athlon Sports’ Steve Lassan suggests that Ohio State Buckeyes offensive coordinator Brian Hartline might be a leading candidate.
“Penn State doesn’t seem to have a clear No. 1 candidate to replace James Franklin, but Hartline would be a strong fit in Happy Valley,” Lassan wrote. “The former Ohio State receiver thrived as a recruiter and player developer before taking over the play-calling duties in 2025. Under Hartline’s watch, the Buckeyes are averaging 37.5 points per contest. Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz or James Madison’s Bob Chesney could be next in line for this job.”
What if Hartline isn’t the choice? Lassan mentioned Drinkwitz and Chesney as potential candidates, as well as Iowa State Cyclones head coach Matt Campbell. Since taking over in 2016, Campbell has done a phenomenal job at Iowa State, posting a 71-55 record over his 10 seasons and leading the Cyclones to two appearances in the Big 12 Championship.
According to USA Today’s coach salary database, the $5 million salary for Campbell would have made him the 42nd highest-paid coach in college football last season, tying him with former North Carolina coach Mack Brown. This represents a considerable increase from the $4 million Campbell earned last year, which ranked him 53rd nationally.
As Penn State evaluates both rising stars and proven leaders, the search remains wide open. Whether the program opts for Hartline’s offensive pedigree or leans toward a steady veteran like Campbell, the coming weeks will define the Nittany Lions’ direction as they look to stabilize and contend again in an expanding Big Ten.
Related: Emerging College Football Coach Predicted to Replace James Franklin at Penn State
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Nov 25, 2025, where it first appeared in the College section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos