Ad Disclosure
Penn State coaching search: Big Ten HC identified as ‘name to watch’ by CBS Sports
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Penn State is on the hunt for a new head coach after the firing of James Franklin on Sunday.
One name, at least based on what one national college football writer is hearing, has been mentioned as one to keep an eye on as the Nittany Lions ponder their next move.
According to CBS Sports’ John Talty, a “name to watch” for the Penn State opening is Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule. The third-year head coach, who has the Cornhuskers off to a 5-1 start in 2025, would be a logical choice due to his ties to Happy Valley. He attended high school in State College before walking on at Penn State.
Despite a failed stint as the head coach of the Carolina Panthers, the 50-year-old has seen success at his previous stops at the college level, coaching Temple to back-to-back 10-win seasons in his final two years there and leading Baylor to just its second New Year’s Six bowl appearance.
After a 5-7 record in his first season at Nebraska, Rhule guided the Huskers to a 7-6 mark in 2024 and their first bowl appearance since 2016. They are currently No. 25 in the country after a win over Maryland in Week 7.