The Penn State Nittany Lions have strengthened their coaching staff for the 2025 season, led by head coach James Franklin. The most prominent addition is Jim Knowles, who has been named the new defensive coordinator.
Penn State Nittany Lions Coaching Staff
James Franklin – Head Coach
Franklin, now in his 11th season as head coach, has played a key role in restoring the Penn State football team. His career is distinguished by an unwavering dedication to greatness, strategic recruitment, and a culture that values both athletic and academic achievement. Franklin’s leadership has repeatedly established the Nittany Lions as strong Big Ten Conference competitors.
- 2014-current: Penn State (Head Coach)
- 2011-13: Vanderbilt (Head Coach)
- 2008-10: Maryland (Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks)
- 2006-07: Kansas State (Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks)
- 2005: Green Bay Packers (Wide Receivers)
- 2000-04: Maryland (Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coordinator)
- 1999: Idaho State (Wide Receivers)
- 1998: Washington State (Graduate Assistant/Tight Ends)
- 1997: James Madison (Wide Receivers)
- 1996: East Stroudsburg (Graduate Assistant/Secondary)
- 1995: Kutztown University (Wide Receivers)
Jim Knowles – Defensive Coordinator
Knowles has been appointed as defensive coordinator, bringing an array of experience from his former position at Ohio State.
During his time with the Buckeyes, Knowles led the nation’s best defense to a national championship, allowing only 251.1 yards and 12.2 points per game. His defensive acumen is expected to strengthen Penn State’s already dominant defense.
- 2025: Penn State (Defensive Coordinator)
- 2024: Ohio State (Defensive Coordinator)
- 2022-23: Ohio State (Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers)
- 2018-21: Oklahoma State (Defensive Coordinator)
- 2011-17: Duke (Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers)
- 2010: Duke (Safeties)
- 2004-09: Cornell (Head Coach)
- 2003: Mississippi (Linebackers)
- 2001-02: Western Michigan (Defensive Coordinator)
- 1997-00: Western Michigan (Defensive Line)
- 1995-96: Cornell (Linebackers)
- 1989-94: Cornell (Running Backs)
- 1988: Cornell (Defensive Line)
Andy Kotelnicki – Offensive Coordinator
Andy Kotelnicki joins Penn State as offensive coordinator following a successful tenure at Kansas, where he engineered a dramatic offensive turnaround.
Under his leadership, Kansas had its first winning season since 2008, finishing seventh nationally in running with an average of 211.3 yards per game. Kotelnicki’s innovative play-calling and ability to cater to player strengths are expected to add a dynamic edge to Penn State’s offensive strategies.
Justin Lustig – Special Teams Coordinator, Outside Linebackers & Nickelbacks Coach
Justin Lustig has been named special teams coordinator, handling outside linebackers and nickelback. Lustig, a native of Erie, Pennsylvania, served as Vanderbilt’s associate head coach and special teams coordinator. His special-teams units have been praised for their efficiency and effectiveness, making him a significant addition to the coaching crew.
Terry Smith – Associate Head Coach, Defensive Recruiting Coordinator, Cornerbacks Coach
Terry Smith’s long tenure at Penn State includes roles as associate head coach, defensive recruiting coordinator, and cornerbacks coach. Entering his 11th season, Smith’s defensive system and recruiting abilities have been critical in building a strong secondary and drawing top-tier players to the team.
A former Nittany Lions receiver in the 1980s, Smith coached high school football between 1996 and 2013, when he moved to college football to become wide receivers coach at Temple. After just one season, Franklin poached him to become Penn State’s cornerbacks coach, a role he has stayed in since 2014.
Ty Howle – Co-Offensive Coordinator, Tight Ends Coach
Ty Howle, a former Penn State offensive lineman, has been promoted to co-offensive coordinator in addition to his duty as tight ends coach. His in-depth understanding of the program, as well as his experience as a player and coach, provides vital insights into the team’s offensive dynamic.
His coaching journey started as a graduate assistant at NC State between 2014 and 2015, where he helped mold Joe Thuney into a third-round draft pick. Howle joined Western Illinois in 2016-2017 before linking up with his alma mater in 2020. He was promoted to co-offensive coordinator in 2022.
Phil Trautwein – Offensive Line Coach
Phil Trautwein is entering his fifth season as offensive line coach, bringing a lot of expertise in building cohesive and formidable offensive lines. His coaching has been instrumental in laying a solid basis for the Nittany Lions attack.
Trautwein was hired by Franklin in 2020 and has helped develop Olu Fashanu and Juice Scruggs into recent draft selections. He also helped mold Will Fries, Mike Miranda, Michal Menet, and Rasheed Walker to earn All-Big Ten honors under his leadership.
Anthony Poindexter – Co-Defensive Coordinator, Safeties Coach
Anthony Poindexter continues to serve as co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach. Poindexter’s leadership, now in his fourth season, has been critical in building a strong secondary and implementing efficient defensive strategies.
Marques Hagans – Wide Receivers Coach, Offensive Recruiting Coordinator
Marques Hagans is the wide receivers coach and offensive recruiting coordinator. Hagans, now in his second season, has extensive expertise in developing wide receiver skills and improving the team’s offensive recruiting efforts.
Also Read: 2025 Alabama Crimson Tide Coaching Staff Led by Kalen DeBoer, Ryan Grubb
At Virginia, Hagan mentored Olamide Zaccheus to become the program’s all-time receptions leader and 10 of the top 15 leaders in career receptions in program.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
