Names have surfaced left, right, and center for the vacant head-coaching job at Penn State. The early favorite for the role was Texas A&M HC Mike Elko, but to the disappointment of PSU fans, new developments show that Elko is now out of contention. Another name on the list is Pat Fitzgerald, who plans to return to coaching after settling his $130 million lawsuit with Northwestern. However, the door has also been opened for another candidate, this time from the NFL, who could be making his way to Happy Valley.

With rumors circulating about Elko’s future, Texas A&M moved quickly to extend his contract. That decision takes Elko out of the picture for the Penn State job, leading PSU analyst Zach Seyko to argue that the administration should shift its focus to Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Al Golden. Golden found defensive success at Notre Dame for three seasons before transferring to the $5.25 billion worth Bengals earlier this season. Golden hasn’t been able to replicate the success at the Bengals, which is why Seyko urges him to come back for the PSU job.

“Al Golden should be a consideration again. It’s not working out with the Cincinnati Bengals. Have you seen that roster? Have you seen that defensive roster for the Cincinnati Bengals? Nobody could be a defensive coordinator there and have it work. He was great at Notre Dame. Okay. So, no, that’s not my argument here to say that Al Golden is a top-three candidate, but again, worth considering if his vision aligns with what Penn State wants to do.” Zach Seyko said on the 15th November episode of his show.

In 2023, Al Golden led the Notre Dame defense to a 1st-place ranking in pass efficiency defense. The defense was also ranked 3rd nationally in scoring defense (13.6 points) and 9th in total defense (296.8 yards per game). The success was replicated into the next season, where Notre Dame reached the College Football Playoff National Championship final. He turned the Fighting Irish into one of the strongest defensive units in college football.

However, his decision to move to the NFL has not worked out well for him. The Cincinnati Bengals are 3rd in the AFC North with a 3-6 record. Their defense unit has struggled with fundamentals like missed tackles, blown assignments, and late-game collapses. So, it could be in the best interest of the defensive coordinator to come back to college football, this time as a head coach.

With the head coach spot still vacant, PSU administration could look at candidates, preferably those who are unlikely to sign an extended deal, like Mike Elko.

Mike Elko’s contract extension breaks PSU hearts

Mike Elko’s name has been coming up for the PSU job for weeks. PSU fans on social media were excited about the rumors, considering how good he has made A&M this season. But it seems like the Aggies’ administration was taking notes on these developments. They decided to break the rumors by offering Elko a 6-year contract extension.

Pete Nakos from On3 concludes that Texas A&M is expected to finalize the contract extension with Elko within the next two days. With a 9-0 record in the SEC, Mike Elko has done a great job at making A&M a threat this season. With playoffs nearing, A&M is one of the favorites to win the championship. So, the administration wants to strengthen its grip on Elko and keep him for the future.

As for PSU, this will be a heartbreak and a reminder that they have to find someone experienced to take James Franklin’s spot.