The most prestigious vacancy in college football isn’t just about finding a new coach. It’s about defining the future of a historic program. Following the departure of James Franklin earlier this year, Penn State stands at a crossroads, weighing the stability of a popular interim against the potential of a rising star.
While names circulate for one of the sport’s elite openings, a prominent analyst believes the Nittany Lions have already identified their primary target.
Who Is the Leading Candidate for the Penn State Job?
The search for the next leader in Happy Valley has dominated college football conversations for the past month. With the 2025 regular season winding down, the pressure is mounting for the university to select a coach capable of competing immediately in the expanded Big Ten.
Interim head coach Terry Smith has made a compelling case for the permanent role. He has stabilized the program and delivered results on the field, including a competitive showing against No. 2 Indiana and back-to-back dominant wins over Nebraska and Michigan State in the Big Ten.
Despite this on-field success, Josh Pate, host of “Josh Pate’s College Football Show,” suggests that the administration may be looking in a different direction. Pate acknowledged the growing support for Smith but expressed skepticism about his viability as the long-term solution for the Nittany Lions.
“There’s a big ground swell of support up there to make the interim, Terry Smith, the permanent head coach,” Pate said. He later added, “The people that want Terry Smith to have the permanent job, totally get it, totally understand it, I don’t think it would work long term.”
Why Is Bob Chesney Linked to the Opening?
With questions surrounding the interim option, Pate reports that James Madison head coach Bob Chesney has emerged as the favorite. Chesney, who is currently on a $3 million contract with the Dukes, fits the profile of an ascending coach ready for a Power Four opportunity.
“I think they have zeroed in on their guy for the past several days,” Pate said. “I think that guy may be Bob Chesney. That’s who I think that guy may be.”
This potential move would bring a proven winner to State College. Chesney is currently in his second year leading James Madison following a successful tenure at Holy Cross from 2018 to 2023.
The timing of any potential announcement adds a layer of complexity to the situation. Chesney has led the Dukes to a stellar 10-1 record in the 2025 season, placing them firmly in the postseason conversation. PFSN’s College Football Playoff Meter currently gives James Madison a 27.66% chance to make the field.
Penn State typically aims to finalize coaching hires within two weeks of the end of the regular season. If James Madison secures a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP), it could complicate negotiations or delay Chesney’s arrival. However, if Pate’s information holds true, the Nittany Lions may be willing to navigate those logistics to secure their top choice to replace Franklin.
