Penn State finds itself in the market for a new head coach, and speculation is heating up around several top candidates.
While first-time head coaches and coordinators are being considered, the heavy favorites for the job are those with proven head coaching experience, ones who bring a track record of program-building success and the ability to manage the unique pressures of a Power Four program.
From SEC standouts to familiar faces with Penn State ties, here are the five leading contenders who could take over the Nittany Lions program.
Mike Elko: Texas A&M
If all the dominoes fell into place, Texas A&M’s Mike Elko would be the top choice. While it’s reasonable to think Elko may not want to leave College Station, also his alma mater, Penn State should at least make the call and give him the opportunity to say no.
ESPN’s Heather Dinich, in an Oct. 13 appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, emphasized Elko should not be counted out, emphasizing the coach’s New Jersey roots, the fact he went to school in Pennsylvania, and that Penn State would represent an upgrade in program.
Elko has done an outstanding job at Texas A&M, putting the Aggies on the brink of competing for the SEC title and a College Football Playoff berth. The only wrinkle is timing.
With Texas A&M expected to play into December, this could potentially delay discussions around contracts, staff hires, recruiting, and the transfer portal. Still, if Elko is available, he would be a home-run hire for Penn State.
Eli Drinkwitz: Missouri
Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz has also been linked to other vacancies, including Florida, though Lane Kiffin seems like the likely fit there.
Drinkwitz has transformed Missouri into an SEC contender and a perennial top-25 team, proving he can retool rather than rebuild after losing key players to the draft. He has also shown a knack for navigating the transfer portal, assembling a talented QB-RB duo before injuries derailed part of the season.
If Drinkwitz believes his ceiling is capped at Missouri, Penn State, with its resources and platform, would be a natural next step. He’s shown the ability to compete at a high level in a major conference, which makes him a strong candidate for the Nittany Lions job.
Matt Campbell: Iowa State
Matt Campbell was once one of the hottest coaching names in college football, and while the buzz around him has quieted recently, he remains highly sought after for his ability to do more with less. At Iowa State, he has consistently built a competitive program with limited resources, demonstrating his ability to win as a Power Four head coach.
Campbell has helped change the culture at Ames, elevating Iowa State football in a way that resonates with Penn State’s emphasis on culture. Given more resources at Penn State, Campbell could thrive and immediately help the program reach the next level it has been seeking.
Manny Diaz: Duke
Manny Diaz is a familiar face to Penn State fans, having served as the Nittany Lions’ defensive coordinator in 2021. After leaving to take the head coaching role at Duke, he successfully stabilized the program following Elko’s departure. Diaz was widely popular during his time at Penn State, known for his culture-driven coaching style and aggressive defensive approach that players enjoyed.
His familiarity with the Penn State culture and athletic department makes him a strong candidate for the position. He already understands the program’s values and expectations, which could allow for a smoother transition and immediate buy-in from players.
Clark Lea: Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea has quietly emerged as one of the nation’s top program builders. Despite Vanderbilt’s limitations in recruiting elite SEC talent, Lea and offensive coordinator Tim Beck have shown an ability to adapt and maximize their players’ skill sets. Their adjustments have led to the school’s win total continuing to rise, keeping them squarely in the CFP race and highlighting their creativity and strategic flexibility.
Lea has proven he can rapidly elevate a program, winning a bowl game last year and defeating Alabama in one of the biggest upsets in recent memory. His success with a program like Vanderbilt makes him a highly desirable candidate, and Penn State would be wise to make a call to explore the opportunity.
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Conclusion
Penn State’s next head coach will have big shoes to fill, but the pool of candidates offers a mix of proven program builders, culture-driven leaders, and homegrown talent.
Whether the Nittany Lions pursue a familiar face like Diaz or aim for a high-upside SEC coach like Elko or Drinkwitz, the next hire will set the tone for the program’s trajectory for years to come.