When Penn State makes the call to Matt Rhule, it’s crucial that he knows how to respond. The news has just broken that Penn State has opted to let go of James Franklin, and it’s clear what’s next on the agenda for the university.
If Matt Rhule’s phone rings in the near future, he should seriously consider treating that call as a potential ‘Scam Likely.’ There’s a strong possibility that if the call hasn’t already taken place, it’s just around the corner, coming straight from State College, Pennsylvania.
This call will be from the Pennsylvania State University, reaching out to one of its former stars. Matt Rhule, who played linebacker for the Nittany Lions from 1994 to 1997, has the kind of connection to the school that makes it a significant moment.
Rest assured, this call will not be some prank or fictitious outreach. Rhule should be gracious and receptive, ready to listen to what Penn State has to offer, which is likely to be a financially attractive proposition. However, he should also consider declining their generous invitation.
It’s essential to realize that when Penn State gets in touch with Rhule, they are not merely testing the waters; they are genuinely interested in exploring his willingness to take over as head coach and will likely employ persuasive tactics to convince him to come back to State College.
This transition follows a disappointing stretch for Penn State, having dropped three consecutive games — two of which took place at their home stadium — in a season where aspirations for a national championship were not just dreams, but goals Franklin himself referenced before the season began.
Franklin, who has been coaching at Penn State since 2014, has experienced a rocky relationship with certain factions of the university community and the fanbase at large. Achieving a commendable record of 104 wins and 45 losses (.698 winning percentage) hasn’t shielded him from criticism. Many fans point to his challenge in securing victories in crucial matchups as a significant flaw; for instance, under his leadership, Penn State holds a dismal record of 4-21 against teams ranked in the AP Top 10.
As the 2025 season unfolds, the Nittany Lions find themselves at 3-3, with wins against Nevada, Florida International, and Villanova—achievements more common for a team like Penn rather than a major college football powerhouse.
This season included a surprising defeat to a winless UCLA team and a shocking loss to Northwestern—an opponent regarded as a heavy underdog—where they ended the game by taking three consecutive knees at the Penn State 2-yard line, gleefully walking away with a 22-21 win. This display, somewhat of a cocky send-off, didn’t sit well with Nittany Lions fans, who responded with a chorus of boos and chants calling for Franklin’s dismissal.
Furthermore, with Penn State starting 0-3 in the Big Ten for the first time since 2003 (excluding the COVID-affected 2020 season), it seems like they have conceded to the fans' demands. Reports surfaced Sunday afternoon via ESPN confirming Franklin’s termination.
Franklin openly accepted full accountability for the team's shortcomings, stating after the loss to Northwestern, "At the end of the day, it is my responsibility completely, and I take full responsibility for all of it. I hired all the staff; I recruited all the players — I believe in all of them. But ultimately, we’re not getting it done right now, and again, I own that."
Looking ahead, Penn State’s upcoming schedule includes road trips to face Ohio State and Indiana, alongside a crucial home game against Matt Rhule and Nebraska on November 22. One local writer speculated that Penn State might end the season with a 3-9 record—an alarming forecast given the program’s storied history.
It’s easy to understand why Rhule might feel a pull towards Penn State; after all, it is his alma mater. He also has previous coaching ties at Temple University, another Pennsylvania institution, and his roots in the Northeast run deep.
Rhule might recognize the potential that exists at Penn State and may even feel a sense of entitlement to lead the program—yet he must resist the temptation of such feelings.
Currently, Rhule is in the midst of a rebuilding phase at Nebraska. The Huskers have not yet reached peak performance, but he has laid down solid groundwork for revitalization by creating a vision for the program that had seen better days. Diligently, he has put in the effort, developed the program, and established a momentum.
The Huskers are very much still a work in progress, but Rhule has made strides in falling into a positive recruiting pattern, alongside having access to superb facilities and a dedicated fanbase that passionately supports the Huskers.
When Rhule talks about the future of his program and his players, there’s a palpable sincerity in his voice, displaying genuine care that is hard to overlook. It’s evident that he is thriving in Nebraska, cherishing the unwavering support he receives from the community and the loyalty manifested in the relationships with both Nebraska's administration and his players.
Nebraska represents a coveted destination for football coaches—one that many would aspire to possess. Therefore, it’s vital for Matt Rhule to recognize the significance of his current position and firmly decline any overtures from Penn State, no matter how enticing they may seem.
