As Penn State begins its head coaching search, there are many factors to consider for the program. Penn State is expected to take a massive swing on its next hire, something the program simply has to do.
If Penn State wants to get back to the top of the college football world, or even be as good as it was under James Franklin when at its best, having the right head coach means a lot more than it might seem.
When examining what that big swing could be, college football analyst Rece Davis had some intriguing remarks about trying to poach Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko.
“The big swing,” Davis said, per On3. “These people are taking big swings. Everybody knows what Florida‘s big swing is going to be, it appears. I would say, to your point, Elko and the Brink’s truck brought up, the big swing for Penn State would be to try to lure Mike Elko back home.”
He later added that he understands that leaving for other jobs is an important part of the coaching cycle, and while I would love to have someone like Elko, I just don't see it as a realistic option for Penn State at this point.
“Look, I always have a little — because of the number of coaches I’ve worked with in my career — I have some sensitivity to bringing things like this up when a guy has a great job already or has any job, bringing it up. I understand why they wouldn’t answer it,” Davis said.
“But, they keep leaving for other jobs, and I don’t say that critically. I mean, everyone’s out there to advance their career. You do what’s best for you. We’ve seen most certainly they will fire you if they become dissatisfied with your performance. So, I hold no ill will toward anyone who leaves one job for another one. That’s life. That’s business.”
Texas A&M quite literally has everything a program could be looking for at this stage, with many reports suggesting that its NIL fund is one of the best in the nation.
If that's really the case, and he has such an easier time recruiting in Texas, it'd be tough to justify him leaving unless Penn State blew him away with an offer.