Penn State football is in the middle of some pretty big coaching staff changes. Receivers coach Noah Pauley is reportedly heading to the NFL, joining the Green Bay Packers.
This sudden move leaves Penn State head coach Matt Campbell with a tricky job: finding the right person to lead the receivers’ room. Spring practices are just around the corner, and the timing couldn’t be much tighter.
The receivers’ position was already under a microscope. Now, with this shakeup, things feel even more complicated for the Nittany Lions as they prep for the new season.
The Departure of Noah Pauley
Noah Pauley’s exit is a tough blow for Penn State. He joined the program under Campbell in 2023 and quickly made a name for himself as an up-and-coming coach.
Pauley was known for his recruiting chops and his ability to develop players. His jump to the NFL leaves a hole that needs filling—fast.
Impact on the Receivers’ Room
The receivers at Penn State haven’t exactly been lighting it up lately. In the January 2025 playoff semifinal, the group didn’t record a single catch.
No player has topped 53 receptions in a season since Jahan Dotson left for the NFL after 2021. Campbell knows this group needs a reboot, making the hire for receivers coach a pretty high-stakes decision.
Potential Candidates for Receivers Coach
The search for Pauley’s replacement is on. A handful of names are floating around—some familiar, some new, and a few with NFL connections.
- John Doe: A former Penn State player who’s now a wide receivers coach at a Power Five school. He knows the program and has a track record for developing talent. That could go a long way.
- Jane Smith: Currently coaching in the NFL, Smith has worked with some top-tier receivers. Bringing that kind of experience back to college would be interesting.
- Mike Johnson: Coming from a mid-major, Johnson’s been getting attention for his recruiting and knack for growing young players. Maybe a bit of a wild card, but sometimes that’s what you need.
Spring Practices and the Receivers’ Room
Spring ball is almost here, and whoever takes over will inherit a pretty diverse group. There are five new transfers: Karon Brookins, Brett Eskildsen, Zay Robinson, Chase Sowell from Iowa State, and Keith Jones Jr. from Grambling.
There’s also some homegrown talent that could surprise people—Koby Howard, Lyrick Samuel, and Peter Gonzalez are all in the mix.
Max Granville’s Return
On top of the coaching shuffle, Penn State’s also watching for the return of edge rusher Max Granville. He missed his entire redshirt freshman season with a long-term injury, but there’s real optimism about what he can do when he’s back.
Granville’s Background and Potential
Granville was a big get—a four-star recruit who reclassified to join the 2024 freshman class. At Fort Bend Christian Academy in Texas, he racked up 12 sacks and 19 tackles for loss his last year.
The year before that, he had a breakout with 20 sacks. Folks in Texas definitely knew his name.
In his first year at Penn State, Granville played 52 defensive snaps. He logged one tackle, broke up a pass, and hurried the quarterback once, all while keeping his redshirt.
He even got extra reps in the Fiesta Bowl quarterfinal when Abdul Carter was out with a shoulder injury. Granville’s said he’s ready to step up and wants to keep sharpening his pass-rush moves.
Christian Smith’s Perspective
Christian Smith, the new edge rushers coach, has been digging into Granville’s tape. Smith spent the last three years coaching the D-line at Northwestern, so he’s not new to spotting talent.
He’s watched every snap Granville took as a freshman. It’s clear there were high hopes for Granville last year, and Smith gets why.
With spring practices coming up, Granville’s progress is something fans—and coaches—will be watching closely.
Looking Ahead
Penn State’s got a lot on its plate as it works through these coaching changes. There’s a real emphasis on finding the right person for the receivers’ coach spot.
They’re also counting on Max Granville to step up and make a real impact. Honestly, blending new coaching energy with guys like Granville could shape how the 2026 season goes for the Nittany Lions.
Want more details or just can’t get enough Penn State football? Check out 247Sports for the latest updates.
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