With the Penn State job being officially open, many are speculating that Matt Rhule will be one of the top candidates. Rhule added more fuel to the fire on that speculation, as he was smiling ear to ear, talking about Penn State and how much it means to him. If the job is offered to him, he might take it. What would that mean for Nebraska?
In our Big Ten Football Roundtable, the writers at Trojans Wire and UCLA Wire take a look at potential coaching candidates should Matt Rhule leave Nebraska for Penn State. Here are our thoughts for the right guy to replace Matt Rhule:
Editor Matt Zemek
Eli Drinkwitz of Missouri. He has done well at a program where expectations are not through the roof, and he has held his own in the cutthroat SEC. Nebraska is a better job than Missouri. Drinkwitz has shown an ability to consistently win. Crucially, he has developed quarterbacks at Mizzou, something Rhule has struggled to do in Lincoln. This could be an upgrade for the Huskers. There is certainly some upside with this hire if NU is in position to fill a vacancy.
Trojans Wire Writer Micah Huff
Matt Campbell of Iowa State would be the ideal candidate. I also think Alex Golesh of South Florida would be a good candidate for the Huskers as well.
Trojans Wire Writer Ethan Inman
Ironically, James Franklin. I think that Franklin has plenty more success ahead of him as a college football coach and just needs a change of scenery in an environment with less pressure. Most Nebraska fans would be thrilled with consistent 8-10 win seasons, which Franklin can definitely provide in Lincoln. There’s also no better way for Franklin to rebuild his image than sustaining a once proud program and earning consistent national respect.
Trojans Wire Writer Adam Bradford
Matt Campbell has done an amazing job at Iowa State. I am not sure that he would leave his current job for Nebraska, but he would be my first call.
UCLA Wire Writer Ryan Lorenz
The Huskers will have options. Whether they try to get James Franklin or invest in a young upcoming talent like Oregon’s Will Stein. The Cornhuskers have their quarterback for the future, so pairing him with an offensive mind could create an explosive offense. I could also see them trying to ramp up their defense with a veteran defense-minded coach, so it would put Nebraska in an interesting situation.
UCLA Wire Writer Dylan McNeill
Could one former NFL coaching flameout replace another? What if Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia takes over the Cornhuskers’ program? Patricia is fielding the best defense in the country at Ohio State. He’ll have less talent to work with in Nebraska than he does in Columbus, but Patricia seems like a fitting replacement for Rhule.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Matt Rhule coaches Nebraska, but his heart might belong to Penn State
