Skip to main content
penn-state logo

Penn State officially lists Dan Connor as its linebackers coach, makes numerous other title changes: See the list here

Greg Pickelby:Greg Pickel•about 9 hours•

GregPickel

dan-connor-penn-state-football-on3
Penn State linebacker coach Dan Connor. (Credit: Steve Manuel | Blue White Illustrated)

Penn State football has updated its staff directory to reflect numerous title changes ahead of the 2025 season. The most notable change is that Lions legend and letterman Dan Connor, who has been with the program for multiple seasons, is now officially listed as the team’s linebackers coach. Since an NCAA rule change last year allowed off-field staffers to perform instructional work at practice and on game days, he has been part of both. But, his new title now officially reflects the fact that he is leading the middle of the Penn State defense. Last season, he also was the go-between for former defensive coordinator Tom Allen in the box and the defender on the field who had the green dot helmet, which allows coach-to-player communication.

“When I first got here in 2022, a lot of my stuff was in the office stuff. Game plan type stuff, building, teaching stuff for the linebackers, helping Coach [Manny] Diaz build his slides for the installs and stuff like that,” Connor said last November. “Then the second year, still couldn’t coach on the field, but [his role] continued to grow. And then this past year, with that rule change, it’s been a huge change being able to run the room, coach on the field, [have a] headset on game day.

“All that stuff is kind of what I’m used to. This is my [11th year] coaching. It’s what I feel most comfortable doing. So it’s been good to get back on the field and coach the guys up.”

More: Who are the Lions’ first winter workout winners?

In the same November interview, Connor was asked about previously saying he one day wanted to be a defensive coordinator. The rule change seemingly changed his mind.

“Yeah, it’s probably changed,” Connor said with a laugh and a grin. “I’m happy with what I have going now. I don’t know if I need more responsibilities.”

Full Penn State staff updates

Trace McSorley is now back working at Penn State. He is now the team’s assistant quarterbacks coach. Other updates include:

Keith Bruno – Assistant Special Teams Coordinator
Mark Dupuis – Assistant wide receivers coach
Greg Gattuso – Senior defensive analyst
Frank Leonard – Associate offensive line coach
Andrew Jackson – Assistant defensive line coach
Trace McSorley – Assistant Quarterbacks coach
Bill Queisert – Assistant Offensive Line coach
David Rocco – Assistant Tight Ends coach
Eric Sachse – Assistant specialists coach
James Urban – Senior offensive analyst
Charles Walker – Assistant running backs coach
Jordan Hill – Director of Player Development

You may also like