Penn State reportedly interviewing a Nittany Lion legend for head coaching job

When Penn State abruptly fired James Franklin following a three-game losing streak to start Big Ten play this fall, it seemed that athletic director Pat Kraft had someone in mind as his obvious replacement. However, since Kraft made that move, Curt Cignetti, Matt Rhule, and Mike Elko have all signed extensions, and LSU, Florida, and Auburn entered their names on the coaching carousel. 

Now, Kraft is undergoing a full search for Franklin’s replacement, and seemingly leaving no stone unturned. That includes Penn State’s all-time leading receiver, Bobby Engram. The Nittany Lion legend is currently the wide receiver coach for the Washington Commanders, and according to former Penn State offensive lineman Landon Tengwall, he’s getting an interview for the head coaching job in Happy Valley. 

Bobby Engram reportedly to be interviewed for Penn State head coaching job

The number of experienced head coaches who are on the market for the Penn State job has been dwindling throughout the season. Cignetti, Rhule, and Elko have all signed extensions, and Louisville head coach Jeff Brohm has been working towards one to stay at his alma mater. Lane Kiffin is the top target in the head coaching market, but LSU and Florida are in a bidding war to pry him away from Ole Miss. 

Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz could still be in the mix for the job, and Brent Key has yet to re-up with Georgia Tech, but those are far from slam-dunk hires. That leaves Penn State to contemplate a few off-the-wall candidates, and if this report is to be believed, Engram is one of them.

After playing 14 years in the NFL, from 1996 to 2009, Engram got into coaching as an assistant coach for the San Francisco 49ers. He then bounced around with stints at Pitt, with the Baltimore Ravens, and as the offensive coordinator for the Wisconsin Badgers in 2022. He was hired to be the wide receivers coach of the Commanders in 2023 when Dan Quinn took the job, and Engram helped to lead Washington to the NFC Championship Game last season. 

Engram has not been a hot name for head coaching opportunities at the NFL or college level, and despite this interview, he may not be under heavy consideration in Happy Valley. Not all interviews are created equal, and part of casting a wide net in a coaching search is hearing from different voices, particularly ones like Engram who have a vested interest in the program. 

A teammate of Engram's in the Penn State wide receiver room in 1991, interim head coach Terry Smith has also gained momentum in the coaching search, despite starting his tenure 0-3 with losses to Iowa, No. 1 Ohio State, and No. 2 Indiana. 

An interview for Engram is no reason to panic, but it is a clear sign that this is anything but a straightforward coaching search.