Did Penn State upgrade with its coordinator hires this offseason?: Newsstand
Penn State news, notes, and updates for Feb. 28 include one writer’s opinion on the Lions’ coordinator hires, headlines of the day, and more.
It’s time to dive into Wednesday’s top tweets and headlines about the Nittany Lions and college athletics.
Penn State tweets of the day
We start with On3’s look at coordinator changes across college football this offseason. National columnist Jesse Simonton writes that he believes Penn State took a step forward by hiring Andy Kotelnicki to lead the offense but views the hire of former Indiana head coach Tom Allen as the new defensive coordinator as a downgrade from Manny Diaz.
“Andy Kotelnicki might not be a household name, but he’s among the best offensive coordinators in college football and if anyone can unlock Drew Allar and Penn State’s offense, it’s the former Kansas coordinator,” Simonton writes. “He should instantly provide Penn State’s offense with more creativity and mailability, and considering his track record orchestrating units that were efficient (13th nationally in 3rd down offense) and explosive (Top 30 nationally), Kotelnicki looks like the perfect answer to PSU’s problems.”
On Allen, Simonton writes:
“Manny Diaz parlayed coordinating one of the nation’s top defenses the last two seasons into another ACC head coaching job. If Tom Allen can produce similar results, perhaps Happy Valley will serve as his opportunity to restart his career.
“James Franklin prioritized experience in tabbing Diaz’s replacement, and while the former Indiana head coach is certainly not some major downgrade, it would be completely inaccurate to expect Penn State’s defense to be better without Diaz calling the shots.”
Headlines of the day
Penn State’s 2024 spring practice sessions: Ten Nittany Lions to watch on offense: Flounders, PennLive
Who were the PSU competitors of the day at winter workout No. 7?: Pickel, BWI
James Franklin Outlines Penn State’s Spring Football Priorities: Wogenrich, SI
What’s been the key to the rise of Penn State offensive lineman Anthony Donkoh?: Carr, BWI
College football nearing long-awaited adoption of helmet communications after successful bowl season test: Dodd, CBS Sports
PSU locks in official visit with nation’s top-ranked linebacker, plus other notable visits: Snyder, On3
Giants GM Joe Schoen doesn’t rule out using franchise tag on Saquon Barkley: On3
Quote of the day
“It was good up there on my visit. The coaching staff and relationships are nice with Penn State and it is different up there. The school is up north, it is out there and they are locked i. Sitting down with the coaches and learning about what they have to offer and can provide stood out on the visit. I like the life after football opportunities at Penn State too.”
