Welcome to my third updated list. I didn't really think I would have to make a 2.0 and thought their next head coach was known and expected, but the guy(s) I thought both just took massive extensions a few weeks ago. Now, I had to throw that list out and basically restart with new names. Before I start, if you haven't seen any of my other coach candidates list I will put the link below:
https://fanspo.com/nfl/s/college_football/p/ehkeG_1Wbo6Yb-/coach-candidate-tier-list-links
Trying To Find A Top Guy Out Of These Three
Mike Elko, Texas A&M (2024-?)
He is on the top of the list, but yet, not sure if he is really the top option. He has been a massive culture change in just his second season, and he currently has A&M undefeated and in the top 3 in the CFP. Would he leave Texas A&M for Penn State? On paper, no. But he is from the Northeast and went to school at the University of Pennsylvania, so there is some connection but not enough for me to say "he's leaving!"
Matt Campbell, Iowa State (2016-?)
One of the top coaches currently, but I don't think he would leave and take a massive pressure cooker of a job. Penn State is hoping to go 10 wins a game and compete for the playoffs, Campbell is a take some time kind of guy. He lets his team grow instead of rushing it and make the playoffs every year because Iowa State does not have that much of pressure and allows him to do so without risking his job. They are also coming out of a brutal four game losing streak after starting 5-0, but just beat TCU to become bowl eligible.
Manny Diaz, Duke (2024-?)
Diaz is a former Penn State DC, has rebuilt his career after his Miami tenure and got the Duke job and has recruited two of the top QB's in the transfer portal in Maalik Murphy and Darian Mensah. Though he has a good reason to be the next head coach, he record at Duke does not scream "he can go to Penn State and compete immediately." Last season they were 9-4 with respectable losses to Georgia Tech, SMU, Miami (FL), and Ole Miss. This season, they are 5-4 with only one loss in conference which was to Georgia Tech, but have losses to Illinois, Tulane, and UConn out of conference which neither of the three losses looks good for a top tier Big Ten school if he so takes the job.
Could Pop Up
Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss (2020-?)
Might be the hottest names in the coaching cycle. I don't see him leaving, but I am just waiting for that "Lane Kiffin to Happy Valley" rumors to start ramping up closer to Thanksgiving.
Jedd Fisch, Washington (2024-?)
I think it's safe to say Fisch is gone from Seattle. The only thing is where is he going? If you don't know, Jedd Fisch has moved his family back to Arizona so his daughters can go back to school with their friends. Reports say that his family "hate" Seattle because it's always wet and rainy and prefer the sun. So that may rule out chilly Pennsylvania as well, but...
Eliah Drinkwitz, Missouri (2020-?)
The hottest name in the last two or three seasons. I see him staying in Columbia, but with the CFP expansion plans and the SEC and Big Ten trying to find a middle ground, Drinkwitz has sided with the Big Ten's proposals and publicly bashed the SEC's proposals during media days back in the Summer. He may disagree so much that he leaves the SEC for the Big Ten.
Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills (OC; 2023-?)
He is due for a head coach job, he could stay in the NFL and take a job like Tennessee, or he could go back to college where he had success at and coach either LSU or Penn State.
Brian Hartline, Ohio State (OC; 2023, 2025-?)
This one is a weird one. The Ohio State WR turned NFL WR turned Ohio State WR coach turned Ohio State co-OC turned Ohio State OC turned Ohio State co-OC once again turned back to the Ohio State OC could leave his alma mater for a rival. I don't see that happening.
Keep An Eye Out
Kalen DeBoer, Alabama (2024-?)
Why is he on this list? I don't know either. I believe a Alabama "fan" who is still salty we lost to Florida State still wants him out so made a rumor that everyone else has picked up that he is a candidate for Penn State. Well, whoever did that did well enough to get me to cover it and put DeBoer on this list.
Clark Lea, Vanderbilt (2021-?)
That same Alabama "fan" made the same rumor on a major TV show saying something like Vandy better pay Clark Lea. Once again, he did well enough for me to put him on my list.
Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland Browns (2020-?)
I'm keeping him on this list. I can seriously see him leave the Browns for Penn State Pete Carroll style. I like his name better than the majority of coaches on this list.
Off The Board
Dan Mullen, UNLV (2025-?)
He has kinda denied wanting any of the jobs, which of course you will, but he openly endorsed guys for that job he was connected to at one point, so why would you do that if you so happen leave?
Jake Dickert, Wake Forest (2025-?)
They are winning games, he just hasn't got much traction to leave Wake Forest so far this season.
Terry Smith, Penn State (Interim; 2025 season only)
This is his school, his program, but he may have to stick with being a assistant for the Nittany Lions if he wants to stay after seeing his record as the interim.
Got Money And You Know It
Curt Cignetti, Indiana (2024-?)
Here's your T-Pain. He's the one who started it with that massive contract extension. I can see him coaching for another year or two, his winning charm fades away and he gets fired Coach O style.
Matt Rhule, Nebraska (2023-?)
Young Wayne on them hoes, aka Mr. Make It Rain On Them Hoes. I seriously thought he will take the job, I guess not. Oh well, I made a new list.
There is the updated list. Keep an eye out tomorrow as I will be posting a frenzy of coach candidate lists including a GM list for the Dallas Mavericks. Let me know what you think of this list?