Matt Rhule Breaks Silence on Penn State Speculation After James Franklin’s Firing
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule has been linked as a top candidate to watch, as James Franklin‘s replacement at Penn State.
In his first press conference since Penn State fired Franklin, Rhule addressed the firing of James Franklin, his love for Penn State, and answered questions about the job opening.
To start off, Rhule is a former Nittany Lions letterman at linebacker from the Joe Paterno era from 1994 to 1997. Rhule admitted during the press conference that he has been a Penn State fan since he was a baby.
On Franklin, Rhule stated that he was “really sad to see Coach Franklin go.”
Rhule didn’t hide his affinity for Penn State, or Happy valley, when asked about the possibility of leaving Lincoln for State College.
“I love Penn State,” Rhule said. “My alma mater. I love Pat Kraft.”
But, could Rhule’s relationship with Pat Kraft and Penn State convince him to leave Nebraska?
Rhule noted that he would not talk about job openings.
“Troy (Dannen Nebraska athletic director) & I have an unbelievable relationship. I love it here and want to be here. The place is elite.” Rhule also noted that he’s “Nebraska’s coach” and he loves the team.
However, Rhule never directly said he was not interested in the Penn State opening and also noted that his wife Julie “decides where he lives.”
During the press conference, Rhule also addressed wanting more of an investment in Nebraska’s roster.
Could Key Attribute of Penn State Job Draw Matt Rhule to Happy Valley?
The investment piece is interesting for Penn State, as Pat Kraft mentioned during his press conference today that Penn State was looking for a coach who wanted to utilize Penn State’s “elite resources” fully through recruiting and the transfer portal to build a national championship team.
If Nebraska isn’t meeting Rhule’s wishes for an increased commitment on the Nebraska roster, Pat Kraft could have an avenue to intrigue Rhule away from the Cornhuskers to return to his alma mater.
Rhule’s non-answer on the Penn State job could be leverage for more of an investment at Nebraska, or could signal his interest in Penn State.
Penn State Fires James Franklin: Nittany Lions’ Top Target List for Next Head Coach
Penn State Football Reporter at NittanyCentral
Robert Shields covers Penn State Football for Nittany Central. As a Penn State graduate, Robert has covered Penn State football since 2019, but had been a fan of the Nittany Lions for well over a decade. During his undergraduate education, Robert was a manager in the athletic department of a division III school, working in various aspects of athletic management at football, soccer, baseball, basketball, and lacrosse games.
Latest posts by Robert Shields (see all)
- Matt Rhule Breaks Silence on Penn State Speculation After James Franklin’s Firing - October 13, 2025
- Pat Kraft Reveals What Penn State Wants in Next Head Coach After Firing James Franklin - October 13, 2025
- Penn State Football Coaching Search: Two Hot Names to Watch - October 13, 2025