Ten days ago, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported that Green Bay Packers quarterbacks coach Tom Clements had submitted his application to Penn State in the aftermath of the Jerry Sandusky scandal that ultimately cost Joe Paterno his job as head coach.
Looks like Clements has passed the paper cut.
The USA Today has learned that Clements will be speaking with interim PSU athletic director Dave Joyner today for a phone interview. USA Today also notes that Clements is being interviewed today “as a leading candidate” for the job. Joyner will also reportedly be interviewing interim PSU coach Tom Bradley.
Nothing against Bradley, who has been placed in a tough situation, but that interview isn’t any more than a courtesy.
Clements, on the other hand, sounds like he has a real shot and has been getting rave reviews from others.
“I’ve been fortunate to play for a lot of good coaches and work with a lot of good coaches, and I know this guy can coach,” Former PSU wide receiver Kenny Jackson told the Review.
“I don’t want to see him leave, but if you look at that situation it’s going to take a man with integrity to step in there and lead,” Packers QB Aaron Rodgers said.
PSU has a six-member search committee for a job that appears to be wide open. Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen and Florida International’s Mario Cristobal are just some of the names that have been, whether seriously or otherwise, been mentioned in association with the gig.