Pat Kraft has taken a cautious and measured approach since the controversial decision to fire head coach James Franklin over six weeks ago. His public silence in the aftermath has fueled speculation and created uncertainty surrounding who will steer the Penn State football program into the future. As the Athletic Director at Penn State, Kraft’s forthcoming decision on the new head coach is arguably one of the most critical of his career, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
As the search for a new leader intensifies, Kraft has reportedly reached out to high-profile coaching talents such as Mike Elko of Texas A&M, Marcus Freeman of Notre Dame, and Kalen DeBoer of Alabama. So far, these attempts have not yielded the desired outcomes. Elko, for example, appears committed to Texas A&M’s revitalization as the team remains undefeated. Meanwhile, Freeman seems unlikely to leave Notre Dame, especially given the financial backing that the Irish’s supporters can provide.
Beyond the top-tier options, several other candidates have emerged to fill the significant vacancy. Among them are Jeff Brohm of Louisville, Eli Drinkwitz of Missouri, Brent Key of Georgia Tech, Clark Lea of Vanderbilt, Matt Campbell of Iowa State, and Bob Chesney of James Madison. Each of these coaches brings unique credentials and styles, but whether they’re willing to make the leap to Penn State remains uncertain.
Another notable name in the conversation is interim head coach Terry Smith. Having taken the reins temporarily, Smith has been vocal in his aspirations to secure the head coach position permanently. However, hiring an interim who served under Franklin raises concerns for many, especially after the disappointment under Franklin’s leadership.
As Penn State grapples with its transition, there’s added pressure stemming from a disorganized recruiting class for 2026. With National Signing Day on December 3 fast approaching, the urgency to appoint a new coach intensifies. Nonetheless, Kraft has to balance the critical timeline with the importance of making the right hire rather than making a rash decision.
The fluid dynamics of college football exacerbates the situation. Kraft will be forced to make a choice before the College Football Playoff’s first-round games occur on December 19-20, given the looming opening of the transfer portal on January 2. With over 25 seniors graduating and potential attrition from younger players, the new coach will need all hands on deck to fortify the program.
One of the coaches currently receiving attention is Kalen DeBoer, but his fate at Alabama may hinge on performance against rival Auburn. If Alabama manages to secure a slot in the CFP, DeBoer’s future may look bright, but failure to qualify after an impressive season could complicate matters. Conversely, other coaches like Brohm, Drinkwitz, Key, Lea, and Campbell seem less attainable for Penn State as they navigate their own successful tenures.
Amid this competitive coaching landscape, attention also shifts to Bob Chesney, a Pennsylvania native and a successful head coach at various levels, including his current position at James Madison. With a record over 130 wins and experience in multiple competitive environments, Chesney holds promise as a potential candidate, despite lacking immediate name recognition within the Penn State community.
Interestingly, former Florida coach Dan Mullen has not been widely discussed, despite a respectable 9-2 record in his first season at UNLV. Mullen, who once appeared as a front-runner during Penn State’s previous head coach search, could bring significant experience and name recognition. Similarly, Charles Huff, a former Penn State assistant and dynamic recruiter at Southern Miss, could invigorate the recruiting landscape in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Pat Kraft is at a crossroads, needing to make a decision that not only impacts the football team but also affirms his leadership amidst a significant $700 million renovation project at Beaver Stadium. The path forward for both Kraft and the Penn State football program hangs in the balance as the hiring process unfolds.