Overview
- Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz has agreed to a new contract, removing him from Penn State’s candidate pool, according to Pete Thamel.
- Penn State formally interviewed interim coach Terry Smith this week after players publicly backed him to keep the job, per Brandon Marcello.
- Multiple previously linked coaches have secured extensions — including Curt Cignetti, Matt Rhule, Jeff Brohm and Mike Elko — shrinking the external market.
- James Franklin has taken the Virginia Tech job, with a reported Penn State buyout settlement around $9 million rather than the original $49 million, per On3.
- Names such as Brent Key and Bob Chesney have been explored, local reports note unconfirmed buzz about a ‘mystery’ candidate, and no hire has been announced as recruiting and transfer-portal timelines approach.