On October 12, 2025, Penn State fired longtime head coach James Franklin following a disappointing 3-3 start to the season. The Nittany Lions had substantial expectations and had previously achieved success under Franklin, including a trip to the College Football Playoff in the 2024 season. However, the team's performance fell short of these expectations, leading to Franklin's dismissal during a three-game losing streak. The coaching search initiated by Penn State has faced challenges as other programs swiftly secured their coaching candidates, leaving Penn State's options limited. As Penn State evaluates potential candidates, they are looking for both experienced coaches and top assistant coaches. Among those considered is Brian Daboll, who recently lost his job as head coach of the New York Giants. Despite a mixed record in the NFL, including a significant achievement in 2022 when he was named the AP's NFL Coach of the Year, Daboll's coaching experience, which includes a successful tenure as the offensive coordinator at Alabama, makes him a compelling candidate for the Penn State position. The Nittany Lions' interest in Daboll signifies a desire for a head coach who can restore the program's competitiveness on a national level. Reporters have also mentioned other candidates in the mix, such as Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden. Golden previously coached the Miami Hurricanes but faced challenges in returning the program to prominence. Additional names being considered include assistant coaches from other programs, such as Oregon's Will Stein and Ohio State's Brian Hartline. The search is becoming increasingly urgent as other universities finalize their coaching hires, and Penn State must act quickly to secure a suitable replacement for Franklin. Ultimately, Penn State's coaching search might lead to unexpected outcomes, and with the added pressure from recent coaching dismissals across the league, the administration must navigate a complex landscape of potential hires. As the Nittany Lions aim to regain their place among the elite programs in college football, their decision-making process regarding who will ultimately lead the team moving forward remains closely watched by fans and analysts alike.