Penn State anxiously awaits Micah Shrewsberry’s decision

Mar 18, 2023; Des Moines, IA, USA;Penn State Nittany Lions head coach Micah Shrewsberry salutes fans after a loss to the Texas Longhorns at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2023; Des Moines, IA, USA;Penn State Nittany Lions head coach Micah Shrewsberry salutes fans after a loss to the Texas Longhorns at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports /
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Penn State is in the middle of a bidding war for its head basketball coach. 

Wednesday will be a nervous day around Penn State as the school waits to hear a decision from head basketball coach Micah Shrewsberry.

ESPN reported on Tuesday that Shrewsberry is expected to make a decision “in the next 36 hours or so” regarding where he will coach next season. With no decision coming as of late Tuesday night, it looks like Wednesday will be the day.

The second-year head coach is deciding between staying with the Nittany Lions and taking the Notre Dame vacancy. The link to Notre Dame was first reported by Dave Jones of PennLive on Monday.

Jeff Goodman of Stadium said on Tuesday evening that Shrewsberry was mulling over options from both schools. Goodman noted that Penn State increased its financial package and NIL commitment to the coach and program.

Putting more money into the basketball program is something Penn State needs to do. While it’s possible Shrewsberry is creating this bidding war to improve the state of his program, it’s just as likely that Indiana native wants to return home.

Penn State basketball is coming off of its best season in over a decade. The Nittany Lions made their first NCAA Tournament since 2011 and won their first tournament game since 2001. Shrewsberry’s fast turnaround in Happy Valley has caught the attention of programs across the country.

It’s worth noting that Shrewsberry’s son, Braeden, is poised to join the basketball team next season. It’s possible the younger Shrewsberry is a factor in this decision as well. But, in the transfer portal era, him ending up at Notre Dame would not be much of a hurdle if he wanted to.

This is a critical moment for Athletic Director Pat Kraft and the basketball program. A coaching change could seriously damage the momentum the program made this past season.

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