Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin has already relentlessly targeted the top ranked members of Penn State's 2026 recruiting class, to bring with him to Blacksburg. (Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images)
Former Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin has taken another Penn State staffer to Virginia Tech, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Quarterbacks Coach Danny O’Brien is set to join Franklin in Blacksburg.
James Franklin Continues to Bring Top Penn State Coaches to Va Tech
O’Brien becomes the second on-field staff member to follow Franklin from Penn State to Virginia Tech.
Earlier this Tuesday, PSU Tight End Coach Ty Howle took the Hokies’ Offensive Coordinator job. Franklin has begun to accumulate several former Penn State coaches at Virginia Tech.
Danny O’Brien served for 5 years on the Nittany Lion staff.
O’Brien spent three years as a graduate assistant before using his final 2 years as the actual Quarterback Coach. O’Brien is originally from North Carolina, but his roots to Franklin also run deep. He played under Franklin when Franklin was Maryland’s Offensive Coordinator and Quarterback Coach in 2009 and 2010.
How Matt Campbell, Penn State can Replace Danny O’Brien
As Matt Campbell continues to fill out his staff, Jake Waters is a name to monitor.
He served as the Quarterback Coach for Iowa State for Campbell’s final 2 years. As a player, Waters was an All-Big 12 Quarterback for Kansas State.
In wake of O’Brien heading to Blacksburg, Waters would make a lot of sense for a replacement.
In addition to several off field staffers, Campbell has brought in Offensive Line Coach Ryan Clanton. Jake Waters could be the next to replace O’Brien.
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Ian Purdy covers Penn State Football Recruiting for NittanyCentral.
Purdy was born and raised in central Ohio and served for four years writing for his high school's newsletter. Currently studying Biblical Studies at Lancaster Bible College in Pennsylvania, Ian has been a lifelong Nittany Lion fan.
- James Franklin Takes Another Penn State Staffer to Virginia Tech - December 10, 2025
- ‘Attack More Than Us’: Can Matt Campbell’s Iowa State Blueprint Recruit Blue-Chip Talent at Penn State? - December 9, 2025
- EXCLUSIVE: “Campbell Is the BEST Coach”—Why 4-Star Will Slagle Will Still Open Up His Recruitment - December 6, 2025
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