Penn State analyst Dan Connor has a new and important role on game days; here's what it is
Penn State brought ‘Linebacker U’ legend Dan Connor back to his alma mater as an analyst in 2022. The Wallingford, Pa., native and all-time program tackles leader was not able to perform any on-field instruction during his first two seasons back in State College. However, an NCAA rule change ahead of the 2024 slate allows anyone to perform regular coaching duties in practices and games. Immediately, it meant that the Lions linebackers would have an expert joining forces with first-year position coach and defensive coordinator Tom Allen during practices. Now, it means he can play a significant role on game day, too.
Head coach James Franklin and linebacker Kobe King both said this week that Connor, not Allen, is now handling the in-helmet communication for the Lions’ defense. That rule is new this year, too, and mimics the long-time NFL protocol that allows one staff member to communicate with one player on offense or defense either until there are 15 seconds on the play clock or until the ball is snapped, whichever comes first.
Neither the leader of the Lions nor the captain explained why Penn State made the change that it did. We’ll get into one possible reason below. But, to be clear, Allen is still calling the plays, of course, with Connor communicating them to King or whoever the “green dot” player is. But, it almost certainly can be traced back to the communication issues the team experienced during the Bowling Green game in Week 2.
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“It was definitely a change since it was made,” King said. [Allen’s raspy] voice is kind of one thing, but it was just the whole setup. But it’s efficient now.”
“It’s definitely easier from this transition that they made. Just [Coach Allen] not being on the mic, and Dan Connor having the mic, and it being a different voice that, you know, he’s kind of more understandable. Not saying that Coach Allen was not understandable. But, he’s a younger guy and he gets us more.”
Penn State prepped for the switch before Kent State
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Franklin detailed both the changes in terms of who is sending in the plays on the mic and also Allen’s move to the coaches box for the Kent State. A dress rehearsal was held last Friday to ensure all sides were ready for it.
“We went up there on Friday and did a full dress rehearsal, had Dan Connor on the sideline,” Franklin said. “We’re kind of going through drives and calls and doing the communication, and Dan was able to communicate with the linebacker. So I think that was helpful as well. Feedback was good.”
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Franklin said that where Allen is on game day could change from week to week. But, it appears Connor will permanently be the man on the mic moving forward. Again, it’s unclear why that change was made. But, it seems like Penn State players and coaches are all good with it.
“Dan is as amazing a coach is as he was a player,” cornerbacks coach Terry Smith said Thursday. “He’s very dynamic. He doesn’t talk a lot. But, when he talks, there’s such great substance behind it. He’s a great leader. He’s very insightful. You can see all the reasons why he was a great player, why he is Penn State’s all-time time leading tackler, and he just passes that on to the linebacker crew.
“He’s a great addition. We’re super thankful that they changed a rule where he could actively coach. I think it’s a big blessing for our team. Especially for the linebacker room, for the defense, but our entire staff.”
