The search to replace former Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin has spiraled into a complex saga for the university. Athletic Director Pat Kraft made the shocking decision to fire Franklin in October following a three-game losing streak to open Big Ten play.
This move came less than a year after the program reached the College Football Playoff Semifinal and started the season ranked No. 2 in the country. High-profile candidates like Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti and Nebraska Cornhuskers leader Matt Rhule quickly signed extensions to stay put rather than move to State College.
Rejection has become a recurring theme during this hiring cycle for the athletic department. BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake appeared to be the primary target earlier in the week before he chose to remain at his alma mater due to his unique ties to the university. Even offensive coordinator targets have looked elsewhere. Former Ohio State Buckeyes play-caller Brian Hartline accepted the head coaching job with the USF Bulls on Tuesday.
The situation grew more bleak on Wednesday as reports confirmed Louisville Cardinals head coach Jeff Brohm turned down overtures to stay with his hometown team. This leaves the university empty-handed on National Signing Day while upper-level administration begins to get involved in the process. Kraft must now pivot to new options to salvage a search that has seen the program strike out on nearly half a dozen targets.
Former Nittany Lions Coordinator Under Franklin Named Potential Option
CBS Sports college football analysts Brandon Marcello and Tyler Donohue discussed the shifting landscape of the search on Wednesday. Marcello identified Duke Blue Devils head coach Manny Diaz as a serious name to watch for the vacancy. Diaz reportedly has a total contract value of $9.6 million; however, as Duke is a private institution, his contract details are not publicly available. Diaz previously served as Franklin’s defensive coordinator.
Marcello noted that the program has swung and missed on several coaches early in the process. He pointed to UCLA Bruins head coach Bob Chesney as someone who used the opening to leverage his own position before moving West. The analyst suggested that the university faces pressure after failing to secure a leader before the signing period closed.
Duke head coach Manny Diaz has the Blue Devils on the doorstep of their first ACC Championship since 1989. | Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
Diaz could spark necessary excitement if he secures a victory in the upcoming conference title game. Marcello argued that winning a championship would be impressive even though the team lost five games during the regular season. Kraft’s focus must now shift to preparing for the transfer portal window in January.
Marcello advised that the Nittany Lions should not rush into a decision just because they missed the signing day window. He emphasized that the administration needs to re-evaluate who they can actually acquire to build toward the next season. The analyst believes patience is now required to find the right fit for the roster.
Penn State Nittany Lions interim head coach Terry Smith is also under strong consideration to take on the position permanently. | Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
Other names remain in the mix according to betting markets. Former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll is among the leaders with a 36% chance per Kalshi, along with Nittany Lions interim head coach Terry Smith, who has surged into the lead at 39%. However, the connection to Diaz offers a candidate with recent success and familiarity with the campus culture.
The Blue Devils will play in the ACC Championship Game on Saturday.
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