West Virginia is entering the market for a new head coach. And a Penn State assistant coach could reportedly be in the running for the Mountaineers’ opening.
Penn State offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki “expects to interview” for West Virginia’s head coaching opening, according to a report from West Virginia Sports Now.
West Virginia announced on Sunday that it was firing Neal Brown. Brown accumulated a 37-35 record in six seasons. His Mountaineers never cracked the Associated Press Top 25.
Kotelnicki was hired by James Franklin as Penn State’s offensive coordinator ahead of the 2024 season. Kotelnicki left Kansas to replace Mike Yurcich, who was fired after last year’s Michigan loss.
Kotelnicki came to Penn State with a reputation for being innovative and creating explosive plays. He has utilized multiple formations, pre-snap motions and unique play-calls to help the Nittany Lions to an 11-1 record. Quarterback Drew Allarhas grown under his tutelage, and his usage of Tyler Warren has the tight end in the Heisman Trophy conversation.
It’s also noteworthy that Kotelnicki’s offense, in his first game calling plays for Penn State, racked up 457 yards and 34 points in a season-opening win at West Virginia on Aug. 31.
It was expected that Kotelnicki, 43, would generate head coaching interest sooner or later. And this probably won’t be the last we see his name floating around the coaching carousel.
Kotelnicki and the Nittany Lions are set to play in the Big Ten championship game against Oregon on Saturday. After that, Penn State will be off to the College Football Playoff.