What Penn State must do to fill vacant defensive coordinator spot

Notre Dame’s 24-point second-half eruption in the College Football Playoff semifinal didn’t just end Penn State’s championship hopes. It also exposed the fragility of defensive stability in Happy Valley, where coordinator transitions have become an unwanted tradition.

Tom Allen’s departure to Clemson on Tuesday marked Penn State’s third defensive coordinator exit since 2021. While head coach James Franklin scans the college football landscape for a replacement (Ohio State’s Jim Knowles? USC’s D’Anton Lynn?), the most logical successor already is on his staff: Anthony Poindexter, the team’s co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach.

Poindexter’s candidacy gains urgency because Virginia Tech is rumored to be pursuing him for its DC vacancy under head coach (and former Nittany Lions DC) Brent Pry. 

Penn State’s Board of Trustees’ Committee on Equity and Human Resources has scheduled meetings for Friday at 10 a.m. and Monday at 9 a.m., suggesting a decision could be imminent. 

Per State College.com, “It’s the duty of Penn State’s HR committee to approve the compensation of any hire or promotion that exceeds that of the university president at any point in the contract.”

These developments underscore the importance of decisive action to secure Poindexter’s future and to provide stability to a unit that has experienced frequent turnover.

Under Poindexter’s guidance, linebacker Abdul Carter developed into one of Penn State’s more dynamic defensive players, transforming from a raw talent into an NFL prospect. 

This player development pattern extends beyond Carter. Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker earned All-Rookie honors after learning under Poindexter. San Francisco 49ers safety Ji’Ayir Brown, another former Penn State player who learned under Poindexter, has transitioned seamlessly into the NFL.

“I try to give them their freedom,” Poindexter told Rich Scarcella of the Reading Eagle. “They all have a certain skill that they do well. Play to that strength. That was the beauty of having Ji’Ayir Brown and Jaquan Brisker. They have some elite traits. I don’t care how good a coach you are; you can’t coach some of that stuff.

The 48-year-old College Football Hall of Famer brings previous coordinator experience from Connecticut (2014-16), matching Franklin’s criteria for assistants capable of running their units independently. 

Passed over last January after Manny Diaz departed for Duke’s head- coaching position, Poindexter seems to be an ideal candidate for the Penn State opening. His DC apprenticeship appears complete.

In 2025, QB Drew Allar will return to lead an offense minus tight end Tyler Warren, a potential 2025 NFL Draft first-round pick, and multiple receivers to the transfer portal. Running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen will provide backfield stability, but defensive consistency becomes paramount for another playoff push.

Promoting Poindexter creates immediate advantages: schematic continuity, proven player development and staff flexibility. Franklin’s decision could determine whether Penn State reinforces its defensive identity or risks another system overhaul.