When the news broke that Penn State had fired James Franklin, it sent shockwaves through college football. Even if it was expected after his current three-game losing streak. Franklin was expected to be the coach to keep the Nittany Lions competitive on the national stage. However, after several years of disappointing performances in crucial games, Penn State ultimately decided it was time to bring in a new voice in the locker room.
Naturally, the rumor mill was in overdrive. The usual big names were mentioned, including Curt Cignetti from Indiana, Matt Rhule from Nebraska, and Marcus Freeman from Notre Dame. There were even whispers about retired legends like Urban Meyer or Nick Saban. The Nittany Lions are a proud program, and they will want to make a statement with their hire. However, sometimes the best move isn’t the most attention-grabbing one.
Enter Brian Hartline.
The Case For Brian Hartline
The offensive coordinator at Ohio State may not have the extensive experience of a seasoned head coach, but he is undoubtedly one of the fastest-rising names in college football. Joel Klatt called him an “under-the-radar” candidate for the Penn State position, and honestly, this suggestion makes more sense than many realize.
Hartline has never been a head coach, and it’s still uncertain how much play-calling authority he really has in Columbus with Ryan Day in charge. However, he is an exceptional recruiter, capable of attracting top-tier talent from across the country. He has effectively brought in five-star wide receivers from coast to coast.
Jeremiah Smith is from Florida, Carnell Tate is from Illinois, Marvin Harrison Jr. is from New Jersey, and Chris Henry Jr., who has recently committed to the Buckeyes and is the son of the late great Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry, is from California. The list continues. If Hartline can persuade talented players from all over the country to come to cold, gray Columbus to play in the Big Ten, just imagine what he could achieve with the entire Penn State brand supporting him.
Hartline exemplifies a new generation of coaches: youthful, energetic, social media-savvy, and capable of connecting with players in ways some older coaches cannot. Programs like Oregon have demonstrated the potential success that comes from taking a chance on young, dynamic leadership, as seen with Dan Lanning. It’s not about age; it’s about having a clear vision, and Hartline possesses that in abundance.
Risk vs. Reward
Would it be a risky hire? Absolutely. Penn State would be entrusting one of college football’s most tradition-rich programs to someone without prior head coaching experience. However, if the Nittany Lions are unable to secure established candidates, Hartline could be a bold choice that ultimately pays off.
Penn State took a chance with Franklin when some were calling for the program to be disbanded. That decision paid off with a return to Blue Blood prominence. There are much better positions in 2025 to take this kind of risk.
The potential move would add an exciting new dimension to the Ohio State-Penn State rivalry. Imagine the Buckeyes’ top recruiter leaving for Happy Valley, bringing his offensive creativity and impressive recruiting connections along with him. This kind of storyline could shape the future of the Big Ten over the next decade.
For now, this is merely speculation. However, as Joel Klatt suggested, keep an eye on Brian Hartline. He could be the next young coach to transform a program. If Penn State is looking to make a bold move rather than a predictable one, its next great coach might already be on the other sideline.
