When Penn State fired James Allen Franklin Jr. on October 12, 2025, few expected the fallout to be this calculated — or this expensive. The State College-based athletic department, under the steady hand of Pat Kraft, didn’t panic. Instead, they locked the doors, turned off the noise, and began a coaching search so methodical it’s become the talk of college football. Three weeks in, the list is down to five: Jeff Brohm, Brent Key, Mike Elko, Brian Hartline, and Manny Diaz. And according to insiders, Urban Meyer? They told him no.
Why This Search Feels Different
Most schools would’ve thrown a dozen names at the wall and hoped one stuck. Not Penn State. Kraft, who took over as athletic director in 2020, has built a reputation for precision. This isn’t just about finding a head coach. It’s about rebuilding a culture that’s frayed under the weight of inconsistent results and off-field distractions. The decision to fire Franklin — a man who led the Nittany Lions to three top-10 finishes and a Big Ten title — wasn’t impulsive. It was the culmination of a slow-burning frustration. After a 2-4 start in 2025, including a home loss to Illinois and a blowout at Ohio State, the board felt they couldn’t wait for January.The Five Candidates and the Hidden Variables
The five names on Kraft’s shortlist aren’t random. Each brings something distinct. Jeff Brohm, fresh off a 9-4 season at Purdue, knows Big Ten trenches. Brent Key, Georgia Tech’s head coach, is a disciplined recruiter with a run-heavy system that could mesh well with Penn State’s offensive line tradition. Mike Elko, the defensive mastermind who turned Texas A&M into a top-5 unit, is the favorite among analysts — and for good reason. His 2024 defense held seven opponents under 20 points. Then there’s Brian Hartline, Miami’s offensive coordinator and a former NFL receiver. He’s unproven as a head coach, but his offensive creativity could unlock Penn State’s stagnant passing game. And Manny Diaz? He’s the wild card. The former Miami head coach knows how to rebuild programs — and he’s got ties to Pennsylvania through his time at Temple.But here’s the twist: Jim Knowles might not be staying. The defensive coordinator, who helped turn Penn State’s unit into one of the nation’s best in 2023, has been courted by Alabama and LSU. If he leaves, whoever replaces Franklin will inherit a defense in transition — not a finished product. That’s why some insiders believe Kraft is looking for a coach who can also serve as his own defensive architect.
The Million Problem — And How They Fixed It
Franklin’s exit came with a financial earthquake. Originally, he was owed $49 million over six years. That’s more than most NFL head coaches make. But in a move that stunned the industry, James Allen Franklin Jr. and Penn State negotiated a settlement reportedly under $10 million. The catch? He’s now headed to Virginia Tech — not as a head coach, but as an advisor. The move was framed as a "mutual parting," but sources say Franklin agreed to the reduction in exchange for a guaranteed role in Blacksburg. It was a win for Penn State’s bottom line — and a quiet admission that even legends have expiration dates.Timing Is Everything
The timeline is tight. Penn State’s final regular season game is November 29 at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey. The State College.com team, citing internal sources, believes Kraft won’t announce a hire until the day after that game. Why? Because bringing in a new coach mid-season would disrupt the bowl prep, and the administration wants the new leader to control the entire offseason. That means the search has to be wrapped by December 1 — a tight window for such a high-stakes hire.And then there’s the GM question. Penn State doesn’t have one. But State College.com argues it’s long overdue. Schools like Ohio State and Oregon pay their general managers $900,000 — and they’re the ones who vet assistants, manage recruiting budgets, and handle staff retention. Penn State’s current front office — Kevin Threlkel, Andy Frank, Kenny Sanders, and Will Reimann — worked behind the scenes to make Franklin’s system work. But they’re not coaches. The next head coach needs someone who can handle the machine while he focuses on culture. That’s the real challenge.
What Happens If They Choose Wrong?
History isn’t kind to rushed hires. After Joe Paterno’s departure in 2011, Penn State hired Bill O’Brien on January 6, 2012 — and he lasted two seasons before bolting for the NFL. Franklin was hired on January 11, 2014, and stayed for 12 years. That’s the standard now: stability. But if Kraft picks someone who can’t recruit in the Midwest, or who clashes with the existing staff, the fallout could be worse than Franklin’s exit. The alumni are watching. The boosters are nervous. And the players? They’re just trying to stay focused.Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Pat Kraft fire James Franklin so early in the season?
Despite Franklin’s past success, Penn State’s 2025 season collapsed early — losing to Illinois and Ohio State by a combined 52 points. The administration felt the program had plateaued and needed a cultural reset. Firing him in October, rather than waiting until January, gave Kraft full control over the offseason recruiting cycle — a critical advantage in a competitive Big Ten landscape.
Why is Mike Elko considered the top candidate?
Elko turned Texas A&M’s defense into one of the nation’s elite units in 2024, holding seven opponents under 20 points. His ability to develop NFL-caliber talent and implement aggressive schemes aligns with Penn State’s defensive identity. Plus, he’s never been a head coach — meaning he’s hungry, and his track record suggests he can elevate a program quickly.
What’s the deal with the reduced buyout for James Franklin?
Franklin was originally owed $49 million over six years. After negotiations, the amount was slashed to under $10 million — a rare win for a university in coaching buyout talks. In exchange, he accepted an advisory role at Virginia Tech, avoiding public backlash while securing future employment. The move saved Penn State millions and allowed them to redirect funds toward the new hire’s staff and recruiting budget.
Why is the timing of the hire so important?
Penn State’s final game is November 29 at Rutgers. Announcing a new coach after that ensures the hire can lead the entire offseason — from bowl preparation to early recruiting. Doing it sooner would disrupt the current staff’s focus and risk alienating players during a fragile transition. Kraft is betting that patience will yield a better long-term result than speed.
Could Penn State create a general manager role?
Yes — and many insiders believe they must. Schools like Ohio State and Oregon pay GMs $900,000 to handle recruiting budgets, staff evaluations, and administrative logistics. Penn State’s current front office — Threlkel, Frank, Sanders, and Reimann — kept Franklin’s system running but aren’t coaches. A GM would free the next head coach to focus on culture and on-field strategy, not paperwork.
What happens if Jim Knowles leaves?
If Knowles departs for Alabama or LSU, the next head coach inherits a defense in flux. That’s a major risk. It could push Kraft toward a candidate like Elko or Diaz, who can rebuild a unit from scratch. Alternatively, it might force the new coach to retain Knowles’ assistants — a compromise that could limit their ability to install their own system. The coordinator’s future is the biggest wildcard in the entire search.
