Penn State's Coaching Crossroads: Should They Aim for the Stars?
It's a pivotal moment for Penn State football. With the coaching search underway, the buzz is all about making a 'big swing.' But who should AD Pat Kraft be targeting? According to FOX Sports' Joel Klatt, the answer is clear: Nick Saban should be the first call.
Klatt's bold suggestion stems from a conversation with Colin Cowherd, where he emphasized the need to aim high. Saban, now enjoying his second year on ESPN's College GameDay after retiring from Alabama, is a coaching legend. Klatt believes Penn State should at least explore the possibility of bringing him in, just to see if it's feasible.
Klatt also mentioned potential candidates like Oregon's Dan Lanning and Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman, suggesting they should also be contacted. But his primary point was to start with Saban to ensure they're not missing out on a potential game-changer. "I think that Pat Kraft, the athletic director at Penn State, is going to take a big swing," Klatt stated. "I don’t think that anybody is off of his list, to be honest with you."
But here's where it gets controversial... Klatt raises a key question: Would Freeman leave Notre Dame? He acknowledges Freeman's recent national championship game appearance and the potential to build something special at Notre Dame. He also wonders if Penn State is a better job, even though he personally doesn't believe it is.
Klatt believes that Penn State is in a prime position to make a splash. He points to the recent stadium investment of $700 million, the willingness to pay James Franklin's buyout, and the support from the athletic director as indicators of a program ready to win.
And this is the part most people miss... Klatt draws a parallel to Georgia's coaching search in 2015, where they replaced Mark Richt with Kirby Smart. Richt had a strong record at UGA, but the program felt it had a ceiling. Smart ultimately led Georgia to two national titles. Klatt suggests Penn State could be at a similar turning point, with the next coach potentially elevating the program and winning those crucial Top-25 and Top-10 games.
What do you think? Do you agree with Klatt's assessment? Should Penn State take a shot at Nick Saban, or should they focus on other promising coaches? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
