As Penn State gears up for one of its most important seasons in recent memory, the spotlight isn’t just on Drew Allar or the returning stars on the field. A lot of what happens in 2025 will come down to the guys wearing headsets on the sideline. This year’s coaching staff has a blend of new energy and veteran leadership — and that mix could be the key to a College Football Playoff run.
Let’s start with the offense. Andy Kotelnicki enters his second season as offensive coordinator. Kotelnicki brought a whole new level of creativity. His offense is built on motion, misdirection, and making defenses second-guess every snap. He gets a second season to work with a veteran group with Allar, Nicholas Singleton, Kaytron Allen, and a loaded tight end room, and it’s up to him to unlock their full potential.
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On the defensive side, Jim Knowles enters year one in Happy Valley after stints at Oklahoma State and Ohio State. The guy knows how to build elite defenses, and with the talent Penn State already has, especially in the secondary. Knowles is expected to keep the defense fast, aggressive, and disruptive. He’s got a reputation for blitz-heavy schemes and confusing quarterbacks, which could elevate this already strong unit.
Position coach-wise, Ty Howle continues to be a key voice for the offensive line. Continuity is important up front, and Howle’s development of guys like Landon Tengwall and Drew Shelton is proof he knows how to build a wall. Meanwhile, Ja’Juan Seider, the longtime running backs coach, might be the most respected recruiter on staff. His work with Singleton and Allen speaks for itself.
One name flying under the radar? Terry Smith, the associate head coach and cornerbacks coach. Smith’s fingerprints are all over the DB room and the recruiting trail. He’s a glue guy behind the scenes, and one of the few constants in the program’s evolution over the last decade. Don’t be shocked if he’s in line for a bigger job soon.
As for the future, this staff has more than a few guys with head coaching potential. Kotelnicki and Knowles are obvious, but Smith, Seider, and even special teams coordinator Stacy Collins are all viewed as rising names in the coaching world. If Penn State puts together a 10- or 11-win season with a playoff appearance, don’t be surprised if this staff gets poached hard next offseason.
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At the end of the day, players win games — but coaching wins championships. And right now, James Franklin’s assembled a group that looks ready to do both. This staff has the tools, the experience, and the hunger. Now it’s time to show it.
This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Breaking down Penn State’s 2025 coaching staff
