Penn State Next Head Coach Odds: Nebraska's Matt Rhule Favored to Return to Alma Mater After Franklin Firing
The Penn State Nittany Lions surprised the college football world by firing long-time head coach James Franklin in the middle of the season, and now the speculation is rampant on who could take over. Peter Alexis analyzes the latest Penn State next head coach odds, targeting candidates like Matt Rhule and Joe Brady as the favorites.
Peter Alexis - October 15, 2025, 3:30 PM EDT
5 Minute ReadPenn State Next Head Coach Odds: Former PSU Linebacker Matt Rhule Among Favorites After James Franklin Fired
Penn State’s patience finally ran out. After three consecutive losses and yet another season unraveling before their eyes, the Nittany Lions officially fired head coach James Franklin, ending a 12-year run that produced consistency but not championships. Franklin’s teams routinely dominated lesser opponents but collapsed in the biggest moments, going just 4-21 against top-10 teams during his tenure. The latest spiral began with a double-overtime heartbreaker to No. 6 Oregon, followed by an upset loss at UCLA and a shocking home defeat to Northwestern, where quarterback Drew Allar suffered a season-ending injury. It was a brutal three-week stretch that took Penn State from playoff contender to crisis mode.
For a program that was just one play away from a national title appearance last year, the fall has been stunning. Penn State boosters and NIL backers have grown restless, demanding results that match the resources and talent on hand. Athletic Director Pat Kraft made the call to move on, with an eye on restoring national relevance and recruiting dominance. This is the first major Power Five job to open this season, setting off a wave of speculation across the college football landscape. The next coach will inherit big expectations and one of the most well-funded programs in the country.
The early list of potential replacements features both familiar faces and fast-rising stars. Leading the board are Matt Rhule and Joe Brady, each listed at +150, followed by other intriguing names like Curt Cignetti (+600), Lane Kiffin (+1000), and Bill O’Brien (+1200). Each candidate brings a unique combination of experience, offensive philosophy, and program-building ability. Let’s take a closer look at how these top contenders stack up in the race to lead Penn State football into its next era.
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Penn State Next Head Coach Odds Odds
Coach | Odds | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
Matt Rhule | +150 | 40% |
Joe Brady | +150 | 40% |
Fran Brown | +500 | 16.7% |
Curt Cignetti | +600 | 14.3% |
Lane Kiffin | +1000 | 9.1% |
Matt Campbell | +1000 | 9.1% |
Bill O'Brien | +1200 | 7.7% |
Jon Gruden | +1400 | 6.7% |
Manny Diaz | +1600 | 5.9% |
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Matt Rhule +150 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
The Nebraska head coach is the betting favorite for good reason. Rhule has rebuilt programs at Temple, Baylor, and now Nebraska, where he’s off to a strong 5-1 start in his third season. But what makes him a particularly strong fit for Penn State are his deep ties to the university and Athletic Director Pat Kraft. Rhule played linebacker under Joe Paterno in the late 1990s, and Kraft was the athletic director at Temple when he first hired Rhule as a head coach. Their long-standing friendship could be the key connection that brings Rhule back to State College, where he’s viewed as a program-stabilizing leader with deep cultural roots.
Joe Brady +150 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
Currently the offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, Brady’s star continues to rise in both college and pro circles. He’s best known for engineering LSU’s record-setting 2019 offense with Joe Burrow, one of the greatest single-season units in college football history. In Buffalo, he’s played a key role in refining Josh Allen’s game and maintaining one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses. At just 36 years old, Brady represents a youthful, innovative offensive mind who could energize Penn State’s passing attack and recruiting. The only question is whether he’s ready to leave the NFL spotlight to return to the grind of college football.
Curt Cignetti +600 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
Few coaches have seen their stock rise faster than Indiana’s Curt Cignetti. His Hoosiers just stunned Oregon on the road, vaulting to No. 3 in the rankings and improving his record to 17-2 since taking over the program. Cignetti’s background is built on consistent success, from his championship appearance at James Madison to his current turnaround in Bloomington. Known for discipline and player development, he’s one of the most respected names in the sport. With Alabama roots as a former assistant under Nick Saban, he’s used to elite standards and pressure. Penn State could offer him the resources and recruiting power to take that next step on the national stage.
Lane Kiffin +1000 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
The Ole Miss head coach is no stranger to the coaching carousel, but this time around, a move seems unlikely. Kiffin has built a powerhouse in Oxford, leading his undefeated Rebels to the No. 5 ranking in the nation. His offense remains one of the most dynamic in the country, and he’s made clear how much he enjoys his current setup both professionally and personally. While Penn State would offer prestige and history, it may not represent a significant step up from what he’s already established in the SEC. Still, if the Nittany Lions swing big, Kiffin’s name will always generate buzz.
Bill O'Brien +1200 Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
O’Brien’s history with Penn State is unique. He guided the program through one of its darkest chapters following the Joe Paterno era and earned immense respect for stabilizing the team amid NCAA sanctions. After successful stints in the NFL and a return to college at Boston College, his career trajectory has cooled with a 1-5 start this year. While his familiarity with the school could make him an easy transition pick, the optics of rehiring a coach from the past — particularly one struggling in his current role — make this a long shot. O’Brien deserves credit for his past work in State College, but Penn State appears ready for a fresh start.
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