Penn State’s Coaching Search Feels Like a Step Backward — Kalani Sitake, Josh Heupel Are Top Options
Penn State’s Coaching Search Feels Like a Step Backward — Kalani Sitake, Josh Heupel Are Top Options  
Podcast: Locked On Nittany Lions - Daily Podcast On Penn State Nittany Lions Football & Basketball
Published On: Mon Dec 01 2025
Description: Penn State’s coaching search has stalled — and the new names aren’t inspiring confidence. Host Zach Seyko reacts to reports that Josh Heupel (Tennessee) and Kalani Sitake (BYU) are now among Penn State’s top options. Are these really upgrades over James Franklin? Zach breaks down why neither candidate makes sense and argues that Brian Hartline, Brian Daboll, and Bob Chesney would better fit Penn State’s future.Plus: Will Penn State regret firing James Franklin, or was Pat Kraft left with no choice?#PennState #WeAre #CollegeFootball #CoachingSearch #BigTen #PennStateFootballBecome an every-dayer! Subscribe to Locked On Nittany Lions on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lockedonnittanylions?sub\_confirmation=1Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Omaha SteaksSave big on unforgettable gifts with Omaha Steaks. Visit https://OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off site-wide and an extra 20% off select favorites during their Cyber Sale.And for an additional $35 off, use promo code COLLEGE at checkout.Aura FramesFor a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting https://AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames - named #1 by Wirecutter - by using promo code COLLEGE at checkout.GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LONittanyLions?sid=YouTubeLocked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollegeFollow the show on X!https://x.com/LockedOnNittanyhttps://x.com/zach\_seyko#lockedonnittanylions #pennstate #nittanylions #pennstatefootball #collegefootball #bigtenfootball #ncaafootball #lockedon #football#recruiting #footballrecruiting #pennstaterecruiting #collegerecruiting #collegefootballrecruiting #highschoolfootballKey words:penn statepenn state nittany lionspenn state footballpenn state schedulepenn state universitypenn state football schedulepenn state basketballpenn state gamepenn state ohio statepenn state michiganpenn state wrestlingpenn state scorepenn state newspenn state rosterpenn state football newspenn state football gamecollege footballpenn state recruitingpenn state football recruitingpenn state football todaypsu footballjames franklinandy kotelnickijim knowlesdrew allarmike rhoadescael sandersonjames franklin press conferencemike rhoades press conferencecael sanderson press conferenceRemember to subscribe... https://www.youtube.com/@lockedonnittanylions?sub\_confirmation=10:00 Intro1:10 Heupel & Sitake Rumors3:00 Why Neither Candidate Elevates Penn State5:00 Kalani Sitake = BYU’s Terry Smith?7:00 “No News” Means Bad News — Penn State’s Rejections Pile Up11:20 The Real Candidates Penn State Should Target13:00 Brian Hartline Has Highest Ceiling15:30 Brian Daboll’s NFL Experience & Penn State Connection19:00 Bob Chesney’s Blueprint for Long-Term Growth22:00 Why Franklin’s Firing Was Inevitable25:00 Pat Kraft’s Choice: Start Over or Sink Together28:00 Final Thoughts – What’s Next for Penn State? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.