When a blue-blood football program like Penn State fires its head coach, shockwaves ripple far beyond Happy Valley. James Franklin’s firing wasn’t just about losses, it was about standards. And when a program with national prestige makes a move like that, it inevitably sparks speculation about who might be next.
The first question on many minds: could Penn State come calling for anyone from Kentucky’s staff?
Why Mark Stoops isn't the answer
Let’s get one thing out of the way quickly, it won’t be Mark Stoops. Penn State just moved on from a coach who could recruit and compete, but not quite win the biggest games. Sound familiar? Stoops has built a respectable résumé at Kentucky, but it’s one defined by consistency rather than breakthrough. That’s not what Penn State is after. They want a program-elevating presence, not another steady hand.
The assistants on Penn State's radar
That said, the Nittany Lions may have eyes on Kentucky assistants. Defensive coordinator Brad White is the most obvious candidate. White has built a reputation as one of the SEC’s most respected defensive minds. His units have been disciplined, well-prepared, and have kept the Wildcats competitive. White was mentioned as a possible target for Penn State’s DC position last cycle, and his name could surface again, especially with his contract expiring in 2027.
Another name worth monitoring: Anwar Stewart, Kentucky’s defensive line coach. Stewart is well-liked nationally and has become one of Kentucky’s more effective recruiters. If Penn State’s next head coach wants to blend coaching chops with SEC recruiting connections, Stewart checks those boxes.
The bottom line
Beyond that, the list thins out quickly. Offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan has overseen one of the nation’s least effective offenses, and the rest of Kentucky’s staff doesn’t have the national draw for a major Big Ten rebuild.
In short: Kentucky fans hoping for a Stoops-to-Penn State rumor can keep dreaming. The only realistic scenario would see one or two assistants get a courtesy call. If that happens, it could actually be a good thing for Kentucky, a staff shake-up might force the program to modernize. And if nothing else, it’s another reminder that while Penn State is acting decisively, Kentucky’s leadership is still standing pat.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X here. Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion