Penn State Reportedly Preparing to Lose Bill O’Brien
After last night’s news that Bill O’Brien told four star recruit Thomas Holley that he wasn’t leaving for the Houston Texas, Penn State fans were optimistic that its football coach wouldn’t leave Happy Valley for the NFL.
However, according to a report by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the university is reportedly preparing to lose O’Brien by going after Tampa Bay Buccaneers and former Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano.
From #NFLGameDay: Penn State is preparing to lose Bill O’Brien. Their AD is ready to make a strong push for #Bucs coach Greg Schiano.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 29, 2013
Penn St. AD Dave Joyner is mulling flying down to Tampa soon to make a push for Schiano in person. Schiano has said he wants to stay in NFL
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 29, 2013
Schiano, who has had an eye on the job and was a graduate assistant under Joe Paterno in 1990 and coached the teams’ defensive backs from 1991-1995, went 68-67 in his 11 years at Rutgers, leading the Scarlet Knights to an 11-2 record, a win in the Texas Bowl, and a top-15 ranking at the end of the season in 2006.
The New Jersey native and Bucknell graduate made the jump from the collegiate ranks to the NFL in 2012, and has compiled an 11-20 record in his two years coaching the Buccaneers. However, his time in Tampa Bay has been mired in controversy, see here, here, and here.
It’s important to remember that nothing is finalized, but it appears that the university is ready to lose O’Brien after two seasons. However, Rapoport is also reporting that O’Brien has told current staff members at Penn State to be prepared to join him in the NFL, which certainly flies in the face of what he reportedly told Holley and other recruits last night.
From @RapSheet on Bill O’Brien & Texans: “He is so confident he’s getting this job he’s told staff members be ready to come with me.”
— NFL Media PR (@InsideNFLMedia) December 29, 2013
It has been reported that Houston wants to have its new coach by Tuesday. If these reports are indeed true, it’s going to be a hectic two days in Happy Valley to say the least.
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