Pat Fitzgerald Emerges as Candidate for Penn State Head Coaching Vacancy

The 2025 Penn State football season began with high expectations but quickly unraveled, culminating in the dismissal of head coach James Franklin. Once viewed as a potential Big Ten contender, the Nittany Lions now find themselves scrambling to find a coach capable of restoring the program’s stature.

Amid a broad search, former Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald has emerged as a candidate after being cleared of wrongdoing in a high-profile hazing investigation. Fitzgerald’s inclusion adds an experienced and recognizable name to an already extensive list of potential hires.

Reports from The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman and Ralph D. Russo indicate that Fitzgerald has garnered some prominent supporters in Happy Valley. Other candidates reportedly being considered include Brent Key, Bob Chesney, Will Stein, and Brian Hartline, reflecting the team’s wide-ranging approach to the search.

The decision carries significant implications for Penn State’s future, as the school looks to balance immediate competitiveness with long-term program development. Fitzgerald’s defensive-minded approach and Big Ten experience make him a particularly intriguing option.

1. Fitzgerald’s Track Record and Appeal

Pat Fitzgerald led Northwestern to three 10-win seasons, including the Wildcats’ second top-10 finish in 75 years in 2020. That season, Fitzgerald’s team posted a 7-2 record, demonstrating his ability to achieve success at the conference level. However, his tenure also included stretches of struggle, particularly in Big Ten play, where his teams went 3-24 over three seasons and 7-29 overall. These ups and downs highlight both the potential and risk associated with his hiring. Fitzgerald’s deep ties to the Big Ten, both as a former Northwestern linebacker and as a coach, resonate with Penn State leadership. Athletic Director Pat Kraft, also a former Big Ten linebacker, may see alignment in culture and philosophy with Fitzgerald’s approach. His experience emphasizes defensive toughness and physicality, qualities that historically define Penn State football. These traits could provide a foundation for stabilizing the program while instilling accountability and resilience in players.

2. Considerations and Challenges

Despite his appeal, Fitzgerald’s offensive philosophy could be a potential obstacle. His teams have not consistently produced high-powered offenses, which may conflict with Penn State’s need to address ongoing offensive deficiencies. Program stakeholders must weigh his defensive expertise against the necessity of building a balanced attack capable of competing in the modern Big Ten. Recruiting, player development, and staff selection will be crucial factors in determining his potential fit. Additionally, Fitzgerald’s recent legal settlement and clearance from the Northwestern investigation may raise questions, but it also removes prior barriers to employment and allows Penn State to consider him without lingering controversy. Ultimately, the decision will hinge on whether Penn State prioritizes toughness and defensive identity or seeks an offensive-minded leader to immediately revitalize scoring and production.

3. Broader Coaching Search

Penn State is reportedly conducting an extensive search, meeting with multiple candidates to ensure they find the right fit. The inclusion of Fitzgerald highlights the school’s willingness to explore both established Big Ten experience and innovative outside options. Other names like Brent Key, Bob Chesney, Will Stein, and Brian Hartline reflect a mix of experience levels and coaching philosophies, suggesting that Penn State is open to a variety of approaches to rebuild the program. Support within the Penn State community for Fitzgerald could influence the final decision, as alumni and boosters often play a role in shaping the direction of the program. Balancing internal and external expectations will be critical. As the search continues, the Nittany Lions will weigh experience, culture fit, offensive and defensive philosophy, and long-term potential to identify a coach capable of restoring competitiveness and consistency.