When Penn State reaches out to Matt Rhule, there should be only one response.
With recent reports confirming James Franklin's dismissal from his position, it’s clear what Penn State’s next steps will entail.
As soon as Matt Rhule’s phone rings — and it’s inevitable that it will — he should view the call as a “Scam Likely.” This call will certainly originate from State College, Pennsylvania.
This communication will come from his alma mater, Pennsylvania State University, where Rhule once played linebacker for the Nittany Lions from 1994 to 1997.
This will not be a prank or unwanted solicitation; it's an official call, and Rhule must receive it courteously, listening intently to what they're offering — which likely includes a financially appealing proposition.
However, Rhule should graciously decline Penn State’s tempting offer. When the university contacts Rhule, they will not just be casually exploring options; they will want to assess his level of interest and make a compelling case to entice him back to State College.
The Nittany Lions have endured three losses in a row — two of which occurred at home — during a season where aspirations for a national championship were genuinely within reach, something Franklin himself eagerly discussed prior to kickoff.
Coaching at Penn State since 2014, Franklin has maintained a complicated relationship with the institution and its supporters. His overall record stands at 104-45, translating to a respectable winning percentage of .698.
Yet Franklin has earned a dubious reputation for struggling in critical matchups. Under his guidance, the Nittany Lions have a disheartening record of 4-21 against programs ranked in the Associated Press top 10.
As of the current season, the Nittany Lions sit at 3-3, with their wins coming against teams like Nevada, Florida International, and Villanova — which, while respectable victories for many, would merely scratch the surface of expectations for a powerhouse like Penn State.
Notably, this season also saw Penn State fall to an 0-4 UCLA team. In a disheartening game at Beaver Stadium, they lost to Northwestern, a team viewed as a substantial underdog by three touchdowns. Northwestern's closing play, when they opted to take three consecutive knees at the two-yard line, only added salt to the wound, illustrating their satisfaction with a 22-21 victory.
Fans at Penn State reacted with a chorus of jeers, chanting “Fire Franklin” as they left the stadium. This disappointing 0-3 record in the Big Ten marks the first occurrence since 2003 — excluding the pandemic-impacted season of 2020.
Reports indicated that Penn State decided to honor its fans' requests, with ESPN confirming the firing of Franklin on Sunday afternoon.
"At the end of the day, I take full responsibility for everything that has transpired," Franklin stated following the loss to Northwestern. "I am the one who hired the coaching staff and recruited the players — I stand by all of them. Ultimately, however, we are not succeeding right now, and I accept that accountability."
The path ahead for Penn State includes challenging road games against formidable opponents like Ohio State and Indiana, in addition to a home matchup against Rhule and Nebraska scheduled for November 22. One local writer from Harrisburg even predicted a bleak conclusion to the season for Penn State, potentially finishing at a mere 3-9.
It’s easy to recognize the tug on Rhule’s heartstrings to return to his roots at Penn State. Given his history there and his prior coaching role at Temple, another Pennsylvania institution, as well as his Northeast upbringing, the allure is significant.
Perhaps Rhule perceives both the current state of Penn State and the potential for what it could achieve — envisioning himself as the perfect fit for ushering the program to its rightful place. Connections to one’s alma mater can be difficult to resist. But Rhule must remain steadfast against these temptations.
In Nebraska, Rhule has cultivated something special. The Cornhuskers are not yet the team he envisions, but they are undeniably on the right track. Faced with the challenge of reviving a once-illustrious program that had recently struggled, he rolled up his sleeves and went to work.
Under Rhule's direction, the Huskers are evolving. He’s steering recruitment in a positive direction, enjoying state-of-the-art facilities and a fanbase that is fervently supportive of the team.
In conversations about his program and his players, Rhule comes across as genuine and compassionate, creating the impression that he cherishes his time in Nebraska. He values the unwavering support from the administration as well as the loyalty he feels from his players.
Nebraska is an exceptional position in college football — one that 90 percent of coaches would aspire to hold, possibly even more. Therefore, when that anticipated call from Penn State comes through, Matt Rhule should view it as just that: a call. And he should firmly but respectfully decline.
