The Penn State next head coach odds have opened quickly after James Franklin’s dismissal, with Matt Rhule leading the market at +200. The early list includes several familiar faces and a few ambitious reaches. Let’s take a look at who could become the next Penn State football coach.
Who Will Be Next Coach at Penn State?
| Coach | Odds | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Matt Rhule (Nebraska) | +200 | 33.3% |
| Fran Brown (Syracuse) | +500 | 16.7% |
| Curt Cignetti (Indiana) | +500 | 16.7% |
| Bill O’Brien (Boston College) | +750 | 11.8% |
| Joe Brady (Buffalo Bills OC) | +800 | 11.1% |
| Manny Diaz (Duke) | +1000 | 9.1% |
| Matt Campbell (Iowa State) | +1200 | 7.7% |
| Lane Kiffin (Ole Miss) | +1600 | 5.9% |
| Terry Smith (Penn State interim) | +3300 | 2.9% |
*Odds are for entertainment purposes only
Matt Rhule Favorite to Take Over at Penn State
Matt Rhule sits atop the odds and for good reason. He’s a Penn State graduate, knows the program’s expectations, and has rebuilt both Temple and Baylor from the ground up. His tenure at Nebraska has been rocky, but his reputation for culture-building fits the athletic department’s tone.
The obstacle is financial. Rhule’s buyout at Nebraska remains steep, and Penn State would need booster support to make the move. Still, his ties and track record make him the clear favorite. He has said he’s not leaving Nebraska, but we believe he has to say that right now.
Could Fran Brown Be Next Coach at PSU?
Fran Brown’s reputation as one of the best recruiters in the Northeast has made him a trendy pick. He’s turned Syracuse into a competitive program and built relationships across Pennsylvania and New Jersey that Penn State values.
Brown would bring fresh energy but lacks Power Five head-coaching experience beyond one season. His rapid rise and current success keep him squarely in the mix, especially if the university prioritizes recruiting momentum.
Curt Cignetti Amongst Front-Runners to Take Over From James Franklin
Cignetti has quickly become one of the hottest names in college football. After dominating at James Madison, he’s brought instant credibility to Indiana, one of the Big Ten’s toughest jobs.
He fits Penn State’s regional profile and offers the type of discipline and consistency that’s been missing. If the school wants a proven Big Ten operator without a massive price tag, Cignetti is a logical option.
Could Bill O’Brien Return to Penn State?
Bill O’Brien’s return would divide the fanbase but remains a real possibility. He stabilized Penn State during its darkest period and left with strong internal relationships.
Since then, he’s coached in the NFL and now leads Boston College, proving adaptable and respected. A reunion would bring structure and accountability, though many fans want a clean break from the past.
Would Joe Brady Consider The Head Coach Role at PSU?
Joe Brady has been linked to several high-profile jobs thanks to his 2019 LSU success and current stint as Buffalo’s offensive coordinator. His modern passing concepts could appeal to Penn State after years of conservative offense.
He’s unproven as a head coach, but his name carries weight with players and donors. If Penn State wants to modernize, Brady could become the dark-horse favorite as interviews progress.
Other Names on the Board
- Manny Diaz (+1000): Former Penn State defensive coordinator, now at Duke. Strong internal support but mixed head-coaching résumé.
- Matt Campbell (+1200): Reliable program builder at Iowa State. Could be a steady but unspectacular option.
- Lane Kiffin (+1600): Offensive genius but unlikely cultural fit in State College.
- Terry Smith (+2000): Serving as interim head coach. Longtime recruiter and assistant, unlikely to get the full-time job.
Early Takeaways
Rhule leads comfortably for now, but Brown and Cignetti have real traction if PSU opts for a fresher face. O’Brien and Brady remain close behind. Expect serious movement once Nebraska’s season ends and Penn State begins formal interviews.
