7 Coaches to Replace Bill O'Brien at Penn State
Now
that Bill O’Brien is taking his ball and heading to Houston, Penn State
University has an opening for the head coaching job. Now what was one
of the most coveted jobs in college sports before the infamous Jerry
Sandusky scandal that led to Joe Paterno’s firing and the fall of the
prestigious program is now moving forward in the right direction.O’Brien’s leaving the program came at the right time, having made comments about having to deal with “Patrerno Loyalists” within the school’s hierarchy.
While O’Brien was asked to do something no one thought anyone could do but Paterno himself could do - lift the program up from the depths of embarrassment, he did it and for his actions, he was rewarded with being able to pursue his NFL dream.
Only problem is now the school needs another leader.
Here are a few names to keep an eye on to fill O’Brien’s shoes.
Greg Schiano
He was once thought to be Paterno’s successor when he was the head coach at Rutgers. In fact, Penn State might be his “dream” job. Schiano was hired from Rutgers to become the head coach of the Buccaneers. In his two seasons there he ruffled enough feathers to get himself fired. Moving back to the college game is ideal for him.
Mike Munchak
This hinges on what the Adams Family wants to do with the future of the Tennessee Titans. If the team decides to go in another direction, then Munchak immediately becomes a coaching candidate. The former Penn State All American would bring a face to the program and coaching experience on the professional level. He would also aid in the offensive line schemes for a team that faces Big Ten competition.
Al Golden
Golden would be the perfect fit at the school. He is fiery, can recruit and may want to eventually get back to his roots, where he played at Penn State. The only issues I see with Golden leaving the Miami program are that he would be jumping from one school’s problems to another - and would he want to deal with the NCAA again, which is still dealing with the school?
Pat Narduzzi
After seeing what Narduzzi has done with the defense at Michigan State, he jumps into this huddle as possibly the hottest coach out there. And don’t think the Penn State Athletic Department did not watch the Rose Bowl. Narduzzi is a hard-nosed northern-style coach who brings his lunch pail to work and asks the same thing of his players on the field and in practice. If the school is given permission to talk to him, Narduzzi becomes the front runner.
Greg Roman
Another guy who will miss out if San Francisco goes far in the playoffs. Roman was thought to be a candidate for the job when O’Brien was hired. I like him, love his offensive game plan and will bring a bit of flare to the Penn State program. But the playoff rules and the wait the school might have will hurt his chances.
James Franklin
He is the hottest name in college football and is linked to the Texas job. Franklin can coach and has proven to be a winner. Moving from Vanderbilt to Texas or Penn State is a big leap of faith for any institution. But Franklin is the “hot pick” for 2014 and he should do well at either school.
Seth Littrell
The offensive coordinator at Indiana. He was linked as a possible offensive coordinator candidate at Florida but the Gators hired Kurt Roper of Duke. He is a Big Ten guy, so that helps him in possibly getting an interview. I think if Indiana continues to show improvements next season, Littrell becomes the “James Franklin” of 2015.
