Penn State search takes dramatic turn with latest Big Ten coaching news

The Penn State Nittany Lions were on the sideline while several big-name college football programs hired their new head coaches this past weekend.

As more and more schools snatch up the remaining head coaching candidates, Penn State is beginning to run thin on options.

James Madison head coach Bob Chesney was identified as one of the Nittany Lions’ top targets as recently as Sunday evening. But on Monday, multiple reports revealed that Chesney is expected to sign a five-year contract to become the next head coach of the UCLA Bruins after his ongoing postseason run with JMU.

Penn State can now officially cross Chesney off its list as the program continues to hunt for its next head coach.

More Football: Top Penn State Candidate Eliminated From Coaching Search: Report

UCLA has reportedly agreed to allow Chesney to coach JMU in its upcoming Sun Belt championship matchup against Troy. If the Dukes earn a College Football Playoff berth as one of the top-ranked conference champions, he’ll continue to coach the program until they’re eliminated.

Chesney wasn’t the only rumored Penn State candidate to be eliminated from the hunt on Monday. Amid rumors of his potential departure for Happy Valley, Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel vehemently stated his loyalty to the Volunteers program.

More Football: Bob Chesney Rejected Coaching Offer Before Accepting UCLA Job: Report

As options continue to dwindle, it appears the Nittany Lions are narrowing in on BYU head coach Kalani Sitake as their top target. Sitake has the Cougars poised with an 11-1 record and No. 11 position in the College Football Playoff rankings heading into a Big 12 championship game matchup against No. 5 Texas Tech on Dec. 6.

Penn State fired now-former head coach James Franklin just six games into the 2025 season. Now several weeks later, the Nittany Lions remain one of the only programs without a head coaching replacement for their 2026 campaign and beyond.