The Penn Stater Magazine

An Unhappy, Uncertain Start to the New Year

January 3, 2012 at 9:59 am Ryan Jones Leave a comment

The strangest and saddest season in Penn State football history came to a close Monday with a lopsided loss to Houston in the TicketCity Bowl. That leaves the coaching search, which figures to be finalized this month, and possibly as soon as the next few days — although, as we’ve stated, very few people have any idea when that decision will be made.

The only thing we do know is that literally dozens of names have been “reported” by various outlets as possible candidates. Among the names being taken most seriously in the new year: San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman, New England Patriots’ quarterbacks coach Bill O’Brien — whose hiring Jon Saraceno ’79 of USA Today reported as imminent just two days ago — Boise State head coach Chris Petersen, and, yes, Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Munchak ’82. Despite a public denial of interest in returning to his alma mater, Munchak (pictured), whose Titans were eliminated from playoff contention over the weekend, is rumored to be considering the job.

The New York Times has an interesting take on the uncertainty surrounding the search, summing up a growing consensus: “Who will the next coach of the Nittany Lions be? No one is sure. Maybe not even Penn State.”

Ryan Jones, senior editor

Entry filed under: Penn State football. Tags: Bill O'Brien, Boise State, Chris Petersen, Greg Roman, Mike Munchak, New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, Tennessee Titans.