2025 Coaching Staff

James Franklin led Penn State football for 12 seasons (2014-2025), compiling a 104-45 record and winning multiple Big Ten championships. He led the program to the College Football Playoff in 2024 but was fired on October 12, 2025, after a disappointing 3-3 start to the 2025 season that included losses to UCLA and Northwestern as a 24.5 and 21.5-point favorite respectively. His buyout of approximately $50 million is the second-largest in college football history. On November 17, 2025, Franklin was named head coach at Virginia Tech, becoming the 36th head coach in the program's history.

Terry Smith, a Penn State football alum (1987-1991) who ranked tied for 12th in career receiving touchdowns with 15, was promoted to interim head coach on October 12, 2025, following James Franklin's firing. Previously serving as associate head coach and cornerbacks coach, Smith took over a 3-3 team that had lost three straight Big Ten games. In his interim tenure, the Nittany Lions started 0-5, losing to Iowa (25-24), Ohio State (38-14), Indiana (27-24), and others before earning his first career win with a decisive 28-10 road victory over Michigan State on November 15, snapping a six-game losing streak. Athletic director Patrick Kraft is conducting a national search for the permanent head coach, with Smith eligible to be considered for the position.

Andy Kotelnicki serves as offensive coordinator in his second season, continuing to develop one of the Big Ten's most dynamic offenses. His innovative schemes have been instrumental in the development of the Nittany Lions' offensive unit.

Jim Knowles leads the Penn State defense as coordinator, bringing extensive experience from previous coordinator positions at Ohio State and Oklahoma. His defensive schemes emphasize aggressive playmaking and turnover creation.

Ja'Juan Seider has been instrumental in developing Penn State's running back corps, helping players reach their full potential both on and off the field.

Marques Hagans brings extensive experience as both a player and coach, specializing in developing wide receivers and offensive strategies.

Danny Spencer oversees all special teams units, focusing on creating explosive plays and maintaining field position advantages.