As Penn State nears a decision on who will replace James Franklin, Brent Key has arguably jumped into the top spot on the coaching board. The Georgia Tech head coach is seen as both a realistic hire and someone the Nittany Lions genuinely like. He’s loyal to his alma mater—famously saying, “Slice me open and see what colors I bleed”—but as we’ve all seen before, words like that don’t always stick when a better job comes calling. With the coaching search winding down, Key offers the best combination of mutual interest and availability.
Right on Key’s heels is Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer. He’s still seen as the program’s preferred target, but his availability is a question mark. The Tide’s recent loss to Oklahoma hurt, and if they also lose to Auburn, they’ll likely miss the playoff again—something Alabama fans and donors won’t tolerate. If things implode in Tuscaloosa, DeBoer might be more willing to jump ship. He’s not an ideal cultural fit in the SEC and could benefit from a fresh start, which keeps him firmly in Penn State’s sights.
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Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman is still technically in the picture, but it’s fading fast. Sources say he hasn’t completely ruled Penn State out, but the odds aren’t great. He’s far more likely to wait for a future opening at Ohio State or an NFL team. Still, with a crack in the door, Penn State’s not backing off just yet.
The Wild Cards: Chesney and Drinkwitz
Bob Chesney, currently at James Madison, has entered the top five. If the big fish stay put—Key at Tech, DeBoer at Bama, Freeman at Notre Dame—Chesney becomes a name to watch. He’s a rising star, and schools like UCLA are already circling, so Penn State may need to move fast if it wants him.
Eli Drinkwitz from Missouri rounds out the top five. He’s in high demand across the SEC and more likely to end up at a school like Florida or LSU, but Penn State has shown interest. He’s become a frequent flyer in major coaching searches, and the Nittany Lions are no exception.
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Who’s Out: Mike Elko
Penn State’s top target earlier in the process, Mike Elko, is no longer in play after re-signing with Texas A&M. There was legitimate interest from both sides, but the Aggies locked him in with a powerful offer that Penn State couldn’t beat. His name’s now officially off the board.
Other Names Still in the Mix
As options narrow, the list of potential fallback candidates includes:
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Manny Diaz (Duke HC, former PSU DC)
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Matt Campbell (Iowa State HC)
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Brian Hartline (Ohio State OC)
Some are long shots, others could surge if the top names pass. Either way, Pat Kraft is running out of time—and options.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: What is the latest on Penn State’s coaching search?
