Shocking development, eh?
It was reported late this past week that Penn State has continued its pursuit of Boise State head coach Chris Petersen, with one member of the school’s search committee visiting the coach in Idaho twice in a span of eight days recently.
Most observers feel there’s little to no chance that the Nittany Lions could persuade the Broncos boss to head back east for just the second time in his coaching career. Apparently, that’s a very valid feeling.
David Jones of the Patriot-News writes that “Petersen has made it known he is not interested in Penn State’s vacant head coaching position.” Jones describes Petersen rebuffing PSU’s overtures as “no shocker there.”
Of course, and until PSU fills a position that’s been vacant since the legendary Joe Paterno was fired in the middle of last month, Petersen’s name will likely be connected to the job, regardless of how many times he publicly or privately dismisses the notion.
Tennessee Titans’ head coach and former PSU player Mike Munchak — he’s already denied any interest in the job — Green Bay Packers quarterbacks coach Tom Clements and a pair of current coaches at the collegiate level — Wake Forest’s Jim Grobeand Duke’s David Cutcliffe -- have all been mentioned as potential successors to Paterno. PSU’s interim head coach Tom Bradley and quarterbacks coach Jay Paterno have already “interviewed” for the job, although those were widely considered a mere courtesy to the long-time Nittany Lions assistants and neither has a realistic shot at taking over.
As far as a timeline for the naming of a successor, the search could continue beyond their Jan. 2 appearance in the TicketCity Bowl against Houston.