Penn State, Clark Lea, Lane Kiffin Headlines Entering College Football Week 10
The college football coaching carousel is heating up as notable names dominate the headlines in Week 10. With Nebraska’s Matt Rhule extending his contract, speculation surrounding Penn State’s head coaching vacancy intensifies. Athletic director Pat Kraft now faces a challenging search after losing the initial frontrunner. The Nittany Lions are exploring other candidates, including professionals from Duke and Syracuse, amidst changing circumstances in college football.
Penn State’s Head Coach Search
With Matt Rhule securing his future at Nebraska, Penn State faces uncertainty following the firing of James Franklin on October 12. Rhule, a Penn State alumnus, was a strong contender for the position due to his close ties with Kraft. However, given his recent contract extension, Penn State must pivot.
Potential Candidates
- Manny Diaz: Currently the head coach at Duke, Diaz is a former Penn State defensive coordinator. He has a record of 13-7 at Duke, with a 4-3 performance this season.
- Fran Brown: Head coach at Syracuse and a former assistant at Temple. Despite a rocky season with a 3-5 record, Brown’s recruiting connections could be appealing.
Diaz left Penn State for Duke when Mike Elko took over the Texas A&M job. Meanwhile, Brown faces challenges after Syracuse’s recent struggles, including four consecutive losses.
Lane Kiffin and Clark Lea: Key Figures in the SEC
Lane Kiffin, head coach of Ole Miss, has emerged as a leading candidate for other high-profile positions. With the Rebels ranked No. 7 and Kiffin’s successful tenure at Ole Miss, he’s attracting interest from Florida and LSU. His previous commitment to the Ole Miss program raises questions about his future.
Clark Lea, Vanderbilt’s head coach, is also a significant figure. Athletic director Candice Storey Lee expressed her commitment to supporting Lea’s leadership as the program continues to develop after recent successes, including reaching the top 10.
Vanderbilt’s Plans
- Coaching Stability: Lee is focused on locking down Lea, especially after recent victories against ranked opponents.
- Investment in Football: Lee emphasized the need for continued investment in the football program to support its growth.
Despite Lea’s mixed overall record, his recent achievements highlight potential for future success at Vanderbilt.
Other Coaching Candidates Across College Football
As the coaching cycle develops, other notable names are generating buzz, including:
- Josh Heupel: Tennessee’s head coach is gaining attention for transforming the program into a competitive force.
- P.J. Fleck: Minnesota head coach known for his successful tenure, bolstering his candidacy for other positions.
- Paul Chryst: Former Wisconsin coach could return to FBS after a solid record at Wisconsin.
- Charles Huff: Southern Miss coach, adept at leading his team towards a title in the Sun Belt.
The coaching landscape remains fluid, with numerous opportunities across various programs. As colleges navigate their coaching uncertainties, Penn State, in particular, is under scrutiny for its next steps. Major changes in the SEC further fuel the conversations around coaching candidates and their futures.
