Virginia Tech head coach James Frankin has targeted some of Penn State's top assistant coaches to build his staff in Blacksburg. (Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images)
With signing day now in the rearview mirror, new coaching hires around the country are working to build out their staff for next season. Monday, Penn State head coach Matt Campbell noted that he wants to spend the next few days observing the Nittany Lions‘ staff from the 2025 season in bowl prep before beginning to build out his staff in State College for next season.
However, on Tuesday, one of those staff members decided not to remain in contention for a position at Penn State for next season and instead opted for a promotion to follow former Penn State head coach James Franklin to Virginia Tech.
Ty Howle Departs: A Major Loss to Campbell’s Transition Staff
From Analyst to OC: Inside Howle’s Six-Year Rise at Penn State
As reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel on Tuesday, Penn State’s Ty Howle will be the offensive coordinator and tight ends coach at Virginia Tech next season.
Howle spent the past six seasons in State College in various roles.
He began as an offensive analyst during the COVID-shortened 2020 season before taking over as the tight ends coach after Tyler Bowen left to take the same job with Urban Meyer and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
After spending two seasons as the tight ends coach in 2021 and 2022, Howle added the title of co-offensive coordinator for the past three seasons.
Howle’s Legacy: NFL Draft Picks and Elite Tight End Recruiting
Under Howle’s leadership, Penn State’s tight ends room became one of the best in the nation.
In Howle’s tenure, Penn State produced three NFL draft picks at tight end, including first-rounder Tyler Warren last season and second-rounder Brenton Strange in 2023.
The Immediate Question: Campbell’s Next Tight End Coach & OC
Howle was also one of the best recruiters on the Nittany Lions’ staff during his tenure, continuously bringing high-end talent to State College at the position.
Over the past five seasons, Howle recruited seven tight ends to PSU, including 1 five-star prospect, and 4 four-star prospects.
At Iowa State, Penn State head coach Matt Campbell’s offensive coordinator was also his tight ends coach, Taylor Mouser.
With Howle now off to Blacksburg, Campbell may decide to bring his 34-year-old offensive coordinator and tight ends coach with him to State College, at least in the tight ends coach role.
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