Overview
- Defensive coordinator remains unannounced as Jon Heacock is set to join the program, but his specific title has not been confirmed.
- Key hires include offensive coordinator and tight ends coach Taylor Mouser, offensive line coach Ryan Clanton, and quarterbacks coach Jake Waters, with Terry Smith retained as a senior staff member.
- Penn State is adding secondary coach Deon Broomfield from Iowa State, where his 2024 unit led the FBS in fewest passing yards allowed.
- Reports indicate Noah Pauley will take over as wide receivers coach, a move aimed at improving a passing attack that ranked 112th, 66th and 79th nationally over the past three seasons.
- Quarterback plans for 2026 remain open as Ethan Grunkemeyer signals he could stay, Iowa State’s Rocco Becht weighs his future after shoulder surgery, and potential portal targets emerge ahead of Jan. 2; for the Pinstripe Bowl, Andy Kotelnicki will call the offense while Jim Knowles departs and defensive playcalling is to be determined.