Potential Urban Meyer Landing Spots as Controversial HC Reportedly Flunks Penn State Test

Pat Kraft, Penn State’s athletic director, is four weeks into the search for the Nittany Lions’ next head coach, a process that has included current head coaches, coordinators, and even former legends turned media personalities. The search has one clear focus: finding a leader who can instantly bring credibility and national attention to the State College area.

One of the most intriguing names associated with the program is Urban Meyer, the former head coach of Ohio State and Florida, and current Fox Sports analyst.

Why Did Penn State Ultimately Pass on Urban Meyer?

Meyer’s resume speaks for itself. In 17 seasons as a head coach, he built a 187-32 record, won three national championships, and secured the third-best winning percentage in college football history. That kind of pedigree would make him a dream candidate for any program, including Penn State.

Reports surfaced that Meyer actively pursued the Penn State job. However, according to Kevin Borba of Athlon Sports, the talks fell apart for a very modern reason: Name, Image, and Likeness rules.

Meyer has never coached in the NIL era, and when discussions turned to how he would navigate the new landscape, his answers reportedly failed to impress Kraft and his leadership team. As Matt Gelb explained:

“The reasons why those talks did break down is when they got to the topic of NIL. Which Urban Meyer has never been a head coach during the NIL era. His plan and his answers in terms of navigating those Name Image, and Likeness waters were not viewed as satisfactory enough.”

This situation demonstrates that Penn State is clearly seeking a leader who can maximize NIL opportunities and effectively utilize the transfer portal, rather than relying solely on traditional recruiting methods. These concerns are understandable, especially when considering the performance of Coach Bill Belichick during his tenure with the New England Patriots.

Which Programs Would Meyer Actually Consider?

If Meyer were to return to coaching, it likely would not be just anywhere. Reports indicate he would only consider programs of the highest caliber, which could include:

• LSU: a powerhouse with national championship aspirations in the SEC.
• Florida: a return to the Gators, where he already built a national championship legacy.
• Auburn: another SEC giant with the history and resources to support elite talent.

For Meyer, the approach seems to be either go big or stay home, rather than taking over a transition program or one outside his comfort zone. These openings appear to be the most logical fits based on their resources and potential for immediate success. A move to LSU, for example, could have Ed Orgeron vibes and end up fitting like a glove.

Alternatively, he could bide his time for an opening in the Big Ten, where his heart might be, and wait for a situation that perfectly aligns with his ambitions.

Let me summarize the Urban/PSU Saga for you since I was the person who broke it:
(OSU fans won’t like this)

– Urban reaches out to PSU FIRST, one of the initial candidates.
– Wants the job. Huge opportunity, massive fandom, renovated stadium, $300 mill Adidas money. Always loved…

— B10BEY0ND (@B1OBEY0ND) November 4, 2025

Penn State’s decision to pass on a coach like Meyer underscores just how much this coaching carousel has changed. Modern factors, such as NIL considerations and transfer portal strategies, are now shaping hiring decisions more than ever before, even for candidates with legendary resumes.

In the coming weeks, expect more openings, more high-profile names, and continued drama. With programs being extremely selective and top candidates being just as discerning, this is shaping up to be one of the most competitive coaching seasons in years.

Fans and analysts are left to wonder: will Meyer wait for the perfect fit to emerge, or will another major program step up and meet his criteria first? Either way, the next few months of the college football coaching carousel will be must-watch TV.