Notre Dame is targeting Penn State assistant Ja’Juan Seider to be its next running backs coach
Notre Dame is targeting Penn State running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider for the same position, On3’s Pete Nakos reports. ESPN first reported the news. Seider has spent the last seven seasons in State College, and a deal is expected to get done, Nakos says. The Florida native, who also served as the Nittany Lions’ co-offensive coordinator, has been a key part of James Franklin’s staff. The Fighting Irish, meanwhile, have been looking for a new running backs coach since Thursday, when Deland McCullough left for an opportunity with the NFL’s Los Angeles Raiders.
Seider came to Penn State in 2018. He started out as just the running backs coach. In 2020, he added the run game coordinator title. In 2022, he was elevated to co-offensive coordinator. And, before the 2023 season, he added the title of assistant head coach. He has been instrumental in the development of senior running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. Miles Sanders also developed under Seider, as did numerous other ball carriers.
“If Penn State is the last place I go and finish my career, I’m OK with that because it’s been a hell of a ride,” Seider said in 2023. However, it now appears that it may not be his last stop.
Want breaking news like this delivered straight to your inbox for FREE? Sign up today for the BWI breaking newsletter! You’ll also get daily updates with the top headlines of the day five times a week. Click here to sign-up!
Will Penn State have another late coaching staff spot to fill?
This is not terribly new territory for Penn State head coach James Franklin. Last February, he lost special teams coordinator Stacy Collins to Boise State. He hired Justin Lustig in his place a short while later. But, it’s less than ideal.
Top 10
- 1
Penn State police warning
Saquon celebration triggers warning
- 2
Top 25 shakeup
AP Poll Top 25 prediction
- 3
Ja'Juan Seider
ND targeting PSU assistant
- 4
Bama to No. 1?
ESPN says so with confidence
- 5
Down goes No. 2 Duke
Clemson opens the door for Bama
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
If there does need to be a new hire, he will have to get up to speed quickly, as spring practice is about a month and a half away. Charles Walker is an analyst who served as the assistant running backs coach and stands as the most likely internal candidate if one is needed.
However, Franklin will, of course, conduct a national search for Seider’s replacement if that ends up being necessary. It’s not a great time to potentially be seeking a new position coach. The coaching carousel has mostly stopped spinning. But, like we saw a year ago at this time with Lustig, many candidates will be interested in this job if it opens up. If he needs to, expect Franklin to move swiftly to get a new assistant in place. The timeline for new hires has typically been seven to 10 days. A similar timeline can be expected this time around.
