Unexpected College Football Coach Floated as Possible Candidate At Penn State

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.