Penn State football coach: Best candidates after unfortunate news emerges on contender

Penn State has dealt with plenty of unfortunate news during the early stages of the program's search for a new coach. Shortly after firing James Franklin, Nebraska's Matt Rhule and Indiana's Curt Cignetti appeared to bow out of the Penn State search by signing lucrative contract extensions.

Now, another top candidate appears close to following suit. On3's Pete Nakos reported that Louisville appears close to signing Jeff Brohm to a new contract extension.

Penn State needs a Head Coach..

Brian Daboll was seen in a Penn State hoodie..

Is he the next coach at Penn State 👀👀 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/lje07AxBW8
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 12, 2025

It is worth noting that signing an extension does not guarantee a team could not still poach the coach. Yet, it makes it a lot more complicated and typically expensive as the buyouts tend to increase.

Brohm had been linked as a top candidate at both Penn State and Florida. Let's take a look at Penn State's top potential options with Brohm seemingly out of the picture.

No. 5 Oregon OC Will Stein

With several of Penn State's top candidates dropping out of the race, the Nittany Lions may need to turn to one of the country's top coordinators. This is not necessarily bad news as there is a strong track record when programs go this route over hiring an established head coach.

There is no guarantee that if Penn State hires a current head coach that he will have success in Happy Valley. Penn State is going to take a chance regardless, so why not poach from one of the top Big Ten programs.

Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein is one of the top offensive minds in the country and has learned under Dan Lanning. It does not appear that Lanning is leaving Eugene, and the next best option is Stein.

As an added bonus, Stein now has great familiarity with the Big Ten, Penn State's opponents and recruiting inside the conference.

No. 4 Ohio State OC Brian Hartline

For all the reasons outlined above with Stein, Penn State could also turn to Ohio State offensive coordinator Brian Hartline. It is no coincidence that Ohio State is producing a high number of elite NFL receivers.

Urban Meyer says he has no desire to get back into coaching.

He goes on to give Ohio State OC Brian Hartline a glowing endorsement, saying that he is ready to take over a program of his own. #WeAre #PennState

pic.twitter.com/z216mMZFDg
— Basic Blues Nation (@BasicBlues) October 31, 2025

Hartline was promoted from being the longtime Buckeyes wide receivers coach to offensive coordinator. Can Hartline make the jump to be a successful head coach? Penn State could soon find out.

No. 3 Iowa State HC Matt Campbell

Iowa State's Matt Campbell was once one of the hottest coaching candidates in college football. After years of turning down vacancies, the buzz around Campell appears to have quieted.

Campbell has done more with less at Ames, and could thrive with more resources at Penn State. Unlike the coordinators, Campbell has proven capable of winning as a Power Four head coach.

No. 2 Missouri HC Eli Drinkwitz

Missouri's Eli Drinkwitz has also been linked to the Florida vacancy. Drinkwitz has transformed Missouri into an SEC contender and a perennial top 25 team.

Yet, the coach may have reached his ceiling at Missouri. If Drinkwitz believes this is the case, the Penn State gig could have a lot of appeal.

No. 1 Texas A&M HC Mike Elko

It would make a lot of sense if Texas A&M's Mike Elko does not want to leave College Station. Penn State needs to at least put in the call and make Elko tell the program no.

Heather Dinich said on McAfee today not to count out Texas A&M's Mike Elko for the Penn State job 👀

Makes a ton of sense for Elko. He's from New Jersey and went to school in PA. The opportunity to get a better job at a better program and move closer to home is a win-win. pic.twitter.com/UzmgUSj2aj
— Patrick (@Poerbler) October 13, 2025

Texas A&M is on track to be playing deep into January in the College Football Playoff. It remains to be seen if Penn State is willing to wait on Elko for an answer before making their hire.