Who will be Penn State's defensive coordinator for Pinstripe Bowl?

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

As Penn State prepares for the upcoming Pinstripe Bowl, against Clemson, the coaching staff is in the midst of some significant changes. Following the hiring of Matt Campbell last week, the football coaching staff is seeing a number of assistants on the move for other jobs as some of Campbell’s allies from Iowa State make the move to Happy Valley. This is routine in the world of college football during coaching changes, and it is having a bit of an impact on the Penn State coaching staff for the bowl game.

Among the notable changes to the staff in the past week has been the departure of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who has already been hired and introduced by Tennessee to fill the same role. Knowles will not stick wiht the Penn State program through the bowl game, which left the defensive playcalling duties up in the air. Now, we know who will be taking the lead with the defensive responsibilities next week.

Safeties coach Anthony Poindexter will reportedly fill the role of defensive coordinator for the Pinstripe Bowl, although it is still unconfirmed what Poindexter’s status with the program is beyond the bowl game. Penn State has welcomed the addition of Deon Broomfield as a safeties and cornerbacks coach under the title of secondary defensive coordinator, thus filling a role that was previously split between Poindexter (safeties) and Terry Smith (cornerbacks). But this could still leave some room for Poindexter to remain on the staff as roles are sorted.

Penn State’s defensive coordinator role for 2026 under Campbell is, officially, vacant at the moment with Knowles moving to Tennessee. Campbell is bringing his Iowa State defensive coordinator, Jon Heacock, to Penn State, but it is unconfirmed exactly what role or title he may hold on the staff.

Poindexter will be calling shots for a defense playing without some of its top players from this season. Zakee Wheatley and Zane Durant have opted out of the bowl game, and there could still be more. Penn State is also still without star linebacker Tony Rojas, who suffered a season-ending injury earlier in the year.

Andy Kotelnecki will call the offense for the Pinstripe Bowl but will not be a part of the coaching staff beyond the bowl season.

Follow Kevin McGuire on Threads, Bluesky, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

Follow Nittany Lions Wire on X, Facebook, and Threads.

This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Penn State safeties coach Anthony Poindexter to fill DC role for bowl

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos