Penn State is aiming high in its search for a new head coach and appears ready to make a major splash. After firing James Franklin, athletic director Pat Kraft is reportedly planning to "take a couple of big swings" at some of the biggest names in college football. According to Pete Nakos of On3, one of those names is Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman.
Videos by FanBuzz
AP Photo/AJ Mast
Freeman has quickly built the Fighting Irish back into a national power. He's 37-12 in his fourth full season and led Notre Dame to the College Football Playoff National Championship last year, where they fell 34-23 to Ohio State. With his program firmly in contention again, it's hard to imagine Freeman walking away from South Bend, but Penn State plans to make the call anyway.
Other top coaches like Alabama's Kalen DeBoer and Ohio State's Ryan Day are not viewed as realistic options, which isn't surprising. Freeman, however, represents the kind of bold target that signals how serious Penn State is about returning to national-title contention and reestablishing itself as a true Big Ten power.
Money shouldn't be an issue for the Nittany Lions, especially after speculation that Adidas played a role in Franklin's buyout — a report the school has strongly denied. Still, the financial backing, tradition, and brand power at Penn State could make the job one of the most appealing openings in college football this decade.
Whether Freeman listens or not, it's clear Penn State intends to swing for the fences.
