Pat Fitzgerald had previously been linked to the Penn State job, but will reportedly become Michigan State's next head coach. (Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports)
There have been several names kicked around for the Penn State Football job opening. Names like Kalen DeBoer, Marcus Freeman, Alex Golesh, even Urban Meyer have been mentioned. However, on FOX’s Bear Bets show college football insider Bruce Feldman hinted at another surprising name, former Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald.
Additionally, NittanyCentral has confirmed this to be true according to a source.
Bruce Feldman’s Surprise Drop: Pat Fitzgerald’s Name Circulating for Penn State
According to Feldman, Fitzgerald is high on Athletic Director Pat Kraft’s list of candidates to replace James Franklin.
“From people I’ve talked to this week and industry sources, [they] think there is some genuine interest by Pat Kraft in Pat Fitzgerald.” Feldman said. “Now remember, before Fitzgerals got forced out in the middle of that hazing scandal, which he ended up suing his alma matter… He had the Wildcats, twice he got them, to the Big Ten title game coming out of the west.”
He continued “And so people around Penn State and inside Penn State brass do feel like this guy has a track record of doing more with less.”
The Penn State coaching search has been full of twists and turns with no true leads yet.
However, it is expected to ratchet up between now and Thanksgiving weekend which is rapidly approaching.
Look for more names to rise and fall as the coaching carousel continues to spin at a rapid pace.
8 Names to Watch in Penn State’s Coaching Search as Pat Kraft’s Hot Board Takes Shape
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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.
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