The Penn State Coaching Conundrum: A Tale of Uncertainty and Fan Speculation
In a recent episode of I-80 LIVE, Josh Peterson and Jack Mitchell delved into the intriguing question: Where does Matt Rhule stand in the Penn State coaching search? The debate sparked a lively conversation, leaving fans eager to uncover the truth behind this potential move.
The Franklin Factor: A Question of Tenure
Josh and Jack pondered the likelihood of James Franklin's departure from Penn State. While they disagreed on the probability, one thing was clear: the fan base's discontent with Franklin's recent performance. The question remained: would Penn State consider a return of their former player, Matt Rhule?
The Shortlist vs. The Second List
Josh firmly believed that Rhule wouldn't make the shortlist, suggesting he'd be more of a second-tier candidate. Jack, on the other hand, proposed that fan bases often crave new faces, and Rhule could fit that bill. However, Josh argued that Rhule's style and approach were too similar to Franklin's, which might not be the fresh start Penn State needs.
The Culture Coach Conundrum
Here's where it gets controversial: Josh questioned whether hiring Rhule would truly address Penn State's issues. "Hey, you want to bring in a culture coach who's going to lose big games?" he asked. A valid point, considering both Rhule and Franklin have struggled against ranked teams.
The UCLA Factor: A Symbolic Victory?
Jack introduced an intriguing scenario: what if Rhule, hypothetically, led UCLA to a Rose Bowl victory? Could that symbolic win change Penn State fans' perceptions? Josh's response: "I want a guy who could beat UCLA." A simple yet powerful statement, highlighting the fans' desire for a winning coach.
The Fan Base Revolt: A Potential Roadblock
Josh emphasized that the fan base's revolt against Franklin might not be resolved by simply hiring a different version of him. "They want new people," he asserted. Jack, however, pointed out that fan bases often warm up to candidates over time, especially if they become more successful elsewhere.
The Big Names and Money-Whipping
As the conversation progressed, Josh suggested that Penn State might try to "money-whip" big-name coaches with recent success. He even threw Brian Kelly's name into the mix, suggesting he could be a hilarious yet intriguing option. The discussion then shifted to the difficulty of finding the right candidate for Penn State in the new era of college football.
The Lane Kiffin Twist
Jack hinted at the possibility of Penn State calling Lane Kiffin, adding a layer of complexity to the coaching search. Josh agreed, acknowledging that sometimes, you don't get your first choice.
The Onward State Take: Rhule's Odds
An article from Onward State backed Jack's point, stating that Rhule had the best odds of being in the hunt for the Penn State job if Franklin and the Nittany Lions part ways. However, the article also highlighted Rhule's poor record against top-ranked opponents, which could be a deal-breaker for Penn State.
The Alternative Candidates: A Diverse List
The article also suggested a list of potential replacements, including Manny Diaz, Matt Campbell, and several other coordinators. Josh agreed that Matt Campbell would be a good hire, adding a layer of intrigue to the coaching search.
The Tony White Twist: A Wild Card?
Jack threw out the name Tony White, an unexpected yet intriguing candidate. Josh was all for it, exclaiming, "Oh, let's go!" Imagine the impact if Tony White, a wild card candidate, landed the Penn State job!
The Penn State Fan Reaction: A Hypothetical Scenario
Josh and Jack imagined the fan reaction if Franklin were to leave and Rhule were to take over. The scenario left them both intrigued, wondering how the fan base would handle such a turn of events. Jack even suggested a wild scenario: what if Rhule beat Penn State? Would that change the entire calculus of the discussion?
The Bottom Line: A Complex Decision
In the end, the debate left fans with more questions than answers. The Penn State coaching search is a complex decision, and the potential candidates bring their own unique sets of pros and cons. As Josh pointed out, Rhule's lack of success against good programs might be a significant hurdle. But, as Jack hinted, sometimes the unexpected happens.
Your Thoughts?
What do you think, fans? Should Penn State consider Matt Rhule? Or is there another candidate you have your eye on? Join the discussion and let us know your thoughts in the comments below! We'd love to hear your opinions and predictions for this intriguing coaching search.
