Penn State football will need to find a replacement for now former head coach Bill O’Brien quickly. After taking almost two months to find and hire O’Brien, Penn State will need this second search in three years to go much faster. With National Signing Day only a few weeks away, each minute is critical to the immediate future and security of the program.

According to a source close to the process, Penn State expects the search to last “a couple of weeks” rather than the drawn out process to hire O’Brien. The source also acknowledged the upcoming Signing Day on February 5 was a date of “importance” but would not comment on any set date for the search to end.

The source also stated that a short list of coaches has already been drafted to replace O’Brien and while the source would not confirm or deny names, generalized that names floating around over the past 24-48 hours are accurate.

Some coaches mentioned include Miami coach Al Golden, Titans’ coach Mike Munchak, Vanderbilt coach James Franklin, and former Rutgers’ coach Greg Schiano among others.

Additionally, the source mentioned that current and long-time assistant Larry Johnson will “stay on” and will continue to make contact with current players and recruits. “It’s important that we maintain the foundation O’Brien built while he was here.” the source said.

There was no indication made as to whether or not Johnson would also interview for the head coaching position. A search committee has already been formed and will go about the interview process as soon as possible. Members of the search committee are not currently public although is believed to be similar to those who hired O’Brien a few short years ago.