Key Highlights
- Now, they're likely about to undergo a significant transition in leadership. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAfter an 0-3 start against Power Four teams, including losses to unranked UCLA and Northwestern, Penn State fired Franklin, who had led the team since 2014.
- It's been quite a while since the Nittany Lions needed a new coach — but now, one of the Big Ten's most famous brands will be entering a new era, with plenty of talent likely to depart as well. There's been some ambiguity in Penn State's coaching search, from some reported high-profile targets landing extensions from their current schools to limited indications of which names the Nittany Lions have interest in. Who is Penn State targeting to replace Franklin?
- Here are the latest news and rumors from the team's coaching search. MORE: Who has the best odds to become Penn State's next coach?AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPenn State coaching rumors trackerIowa State head coach Matt Campbell has "momentum" for Penn State jobDate: Dec.
- 4Source: Tyler DonohueBuzz has picked up surrounding Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell, as there is "increased confidence" that "momentum is building" between Penn State and Campbell, according to 247Sports' Tyler Donohue. Campbell, a three-time Big 12 Coach of the Year, has been with the Cyclones since 2016.
- They won 11 games in 2024 and have gone 8-4 in 2025. Terry Smith drawing interest for UConn, Memphis head coaching jobsDate: Dec.
