Penn State Football Faces Coaching Change: Key Candidates Emerged Following James Franklin Departure
In a major shift for Penn State football, head coach James Franklin has been dismissed following a challenging start to the 2025 season. Once considered a favorite to compete for a national title, the Nittany Lions struggled with unexpected losses to teams like Oregon, UCLA, and Northwestern, leading to Franklin’s removal. This change marks the end of Franklin’s impactful tenure where he compiled a 104-45 record, captured the 2016 Big Ten title, and maintained consistent success with six seasons of at least 10 wins. The team is now under the interim direction of Terry Smith while a search for Franklin’s permanent successor is underway.
Immediate Coaching Vacancy: Running Backs Coach
Penn State is also seeking to fill a critical assistant coaching role as Ja’Juan Seider, the running backs coach and a key figure on Franklin’s staff for seven seasons, has left the program to join Notre Dame. This vacancy comes at a pivotal moment as running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, both 1,000-yard rushers, have committed to return for the 2025 season. The importance of the running backs coach position is heightened by Franklin’s public emphasis on its attractiveness, given the talent roster and upcoming recruits.
Top Coaching Candidates to Replace James Franklin
The search to replace Franklin has drawn attention to several prominent coaching candidates, each bringing distinctive strengths and backgrounds. Reports and analyses reveal some key names to watch:
| Candidate | Current Role | Background Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Matt Campbell | Head Coach, Iowa State | Known for revitalizing the Cyclones with an 11-3 record in 2024, Campbell has Ohio ties, a strong college playing background, and prior head coaching success at Toledo. Although committed to Iowa State, Penn State’s job presents a tempting opportunity. |
| Stan Drayton | Most recently Head Coach, Temple; RB Coach Experience | With over 30 years in coaching, primarily as a running backs coach, Drayton boasts two national championships under Urban Meyer at Florida and Ohio State. Notably, he developed elite NFL backs Ezekiel Elliott and Bijan Robinson. His tenure as Temple’s head coach was less successful, but Penn State has a history of hiring proven coaches seeking career resurgence. |
| DeMarco Murray | Running Backs Coach, Oklahoma (formerly NFL player) | The former NFL standout who played for the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles brings NFL experience and recent college coaching to the table, making him a compelling candidate for the prestigious running backs coaching role at Penn State. |
Additional Coaching Considerations
Penn State has also considered internal options like Charles Walker, currently an assistant running backs coach and analytics coordinator, though an outside hire appears more likely given Franklin’s hiring patterns. Bill Belton, former Penn State running back and current high school coach, is viewed as a potential future college coach but unlikely to fill the position immediately due to experience gaps.
The Challenge Ahead
The new head coach will face a daunting task. They must navigate high expectations while sustaining and building on a program renowned for competitive excellence and rich tradition. The selected coach will need not only to win consistently but also manage media relations, relationships with players, and recruiting — all under the pressure of keeping pace with top rivals such as Ohio State, who recently hired Urban Meyer, a flashy and successful name in college football.
Meanwhile, the running backs coach role stands out as particularly attractive given the elite backfield talent set to return. According to statements from James Franklin, the role could be among the most desirable running backs coaching positions nationally, offering the incoming coach a unique platform to elevate their career alongside standout athletes.
Outlook
The Penn State football program is entering a critical phase of transition. With candidates like Matt Campbell, Stan Drayton, and DeMarco Murray in the mix, the upcoming coaching hires will significantly shape the trajectory of the Nittany Lions moving forward. Fans and analysts alike await official announcements as the program strives to rebound from a difficult season start and head toward future successes.