The coaching carousel is spinning, and Penn State is in the eye of the storm! With James Franklin's departure, the Nittany Lions are on the hunt for a new leader, and the question on everyone's mind is: Who will they bring in? According to FOX Sports' Joel Klatt, Penn State should aim for the stars, and his top pick might surprise you.
Klatt, speaking on The Herd, boldly suggested that Athletic Director Pat Kraft should make Nick Saban his first call. Yes, that Nick Saban. The legendary coach, now enjoying his second year on ESPN's College GameDay after an illustrious career at Alabama, is fresh off winning an Emmy for his on-air performance. Klatt's reasoning? To make sure Saban isn't interested, and to set the bar incredibly high from the get-go.
But here's where it gets controversial... Klatt didn't stop there. He also mentioned potential candidates like Dan Lanning from Oregon and Marcus Freeman of Notre Dame. Klatt questioned whether Freeman would leave Notre Dame, especially after leading the team to a national championship game appearance. He also wondered if Penn State could be considered a better job than Notre Dame.
Klatt believes that Penn State is perfectly positioned for success. He pointed to the significant investment in their stadium – a whopping $700 million – and the willingness to pay James Franklin's buyout. Penn State has the financial backing and a determined athletic director. Klatt even suggested that Curt Cignetti should be considered.
Klatt drew a parallel to Georgia's coaching change in 2015, when they replaced Mark Richt with Kirby Smart. Richt had an impressive record, but Georgia sought to elevate the program. Smart delivered, leading the Bulldogs to two national titles. Klatt suggests Penn State might be at a similar crossroads, ready for a coach who can break through the ceiling and win those crucial Top-25 matchups where Franklin fell short.
What do you think? Is Klatt's advice spot-on, or is he reaching for the impossible? Should Penn State be aiming for the biggest names, or focusing on a different strategy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
