Hold onto your hats, college football fans, because the coaching carousel just took a wild turn!
Remember those whispers about Alabama's Kalen DeBoer potentially heading to Penn State? Turns out, they were just that – whispers. ESPN's Pete Thamel confirmed there was zero traction between DeBoer and the Nittany Lions, despite the initial buzz. But here's where it gets interesting: Penn State's 53-day coaching search was a rollercoaster, with names like BYU's Kalani Sitake briefly entering the spotlight before ultimately staying put. And this is the part most people miss: while DeBoer's name was floated, Thamel suggests Penn State Athletic Director Pat Kraft was aiming for bigger fish, though DeBoer himself wasn't seriously in the running.
Thamel, speaking on The Paul Finebaum Show, emphasized the logistical hurdles of such a move, citing the College Football Playoff schedule as a major obstacle. He also pointed out the geographical mismatch, noting DeBoer's Midwest roots versus Penn State's location. Kraft, to his credit, was ambitious, knocking on the doors of several high-profile coaches, a common tactic in expedited searches.
But was DeBoer ever truly a contender? Thamel's words suggest otherwise. He highlights the lack of mutual interest, stating, “There was no traction on either side...” This raises the question: were the rumors simply a product of wishful thinking or strategic maneuvering?
Penn State, after the Sitake detour, has seemingly found their man in Iowa State's Matt Campbell. Thamel predicts a deal will be finalized soon, calling Campbell a “very good football coach” and a logical choice from the outset.
This saga leaves us wondering: in the high-stakes world of college football coaching, how much weight do rumors truly hold? And are we, as fans, too quick to buy into the hype? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
