Notre Dame’s 24-point second-half eruption within the School Soccer Playoff semifinal did not simply finish Penn State’s championship hopes. It additionally uncovered the fragility of defensive stability in Pleased Valley, the place coordinator transitions have change into an undesirable custom.
Tom Allen’s departure to Clemson on Tuesday marked Penn State’s third defensive coordinator exit since 2021. Whereas head coach James Franklin scans the faculty soccer panorama for a alternative (Ohio State’s Jim Knowles? USC’s D’Anton Lynn?), essentially the most logical successor already is on his employees: Anthony Poindexter, the crew’s co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach.
Poindexter’s candidacy positive factors urgency as a result of Virginia Tech is rumored to be pursuing him for its DC emptiness beneath head coach (and former Nittany Lions DC) Brent Pry.
Penn State’s Board of Trustees’ Committee on Fairness and Human Sources has scheduled conferences for Friday at 10 a.m. and Monday at 9 a.m., suggesting a choice could possibly be imminent.
Per State College.com, “It’s the obligation of Penn State’s HR committee to approve the compensation of any rent or promotion that exceeds that of the college president at any level within the contract.”
These developments underscore the significance of decisive motion to safe Poindexter’s future and to offer stability to a unit that has skilled frequent turnover.
Below Poindexter’s steering, linebacker Abdul Carter developed into considered one of Penn State’s extra dynamic defensive gamers, reworking from a uncooked expertise into an NFL prospect.
This participant improvement sample extends past Carter. Chicago Bears security Jaquan Brisker earned All-Rookie honors after studying beneath Poindexter. San Francisco 49ers security Ji’Ayir Brown, one other former Penn State participant who realized beneath Poindexter, has transitioned seamlessly into the NFL.
“I attempt to give them their freedom,” Poindexter told Rich Scarcella of the Reading Eagle. “All of them have a sure ability that they do effectively. Play to that power. That was the great thing about having Ji’Ayir Brown and Jaquan Brisker. They’ve some elite traits. I don’t care how good a coach you’re; you may’t coach a few of that stuff.
The 48-year-old School Soccer Corridor of Famer brings earlier coordinator expertise from Connecticut (2014-16), matching Franklin’s standards for assistants able to working their models independently.
Handed over final January after Manny Diaz departed for Duke’s head- teaching place, Poindexter appears to be a great candidate for the Penn State opening. His DC apprenticeship seems full.
In 2025, QB Drew Allar will return to guide an offense minus tight finish Tyler Warren, a possible 2025 NFL Draft first-round decide, and a number of receivers to the switch portal. Operating backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen will present backfield stability, however defensive consistency turns into paramount for an additional playoff push.
Selling Poindexter creates rapid benefits: schematic continuity, confirmed participant improvement and employees flexibility. Franklin’s determination might decide whether or not Penn State reinforces its defensive id or dangers one other system overhaul.
