Penn State Nittany Lions Football - wikipedia Penn State Nittany Lions Football Penn State Nittany Lions football 2018 Penn State Nittany Lions football team First season 1887 Athletic director Sandy Barbour Head coach James Franklin 5th season, 36 -- 17 (. 679 ) Other staff Brent Pry ( defensive coordinator ) Stadium Beaver Stadium ( Capacity : 106,572 ) Field surface Kentucky Bluegrass Location State College, Pennsylvania Conference Big Ten Conference Division East ( since 2014 ) Past conferences Independent ( 1887 -- 1890, 1892 -- 1992 ) PIFA ( 1891 ) All - time record 878 -- 387 -- 42 (. 688 ) Bowl record 29 -- 17 -- 2 (. 625 ) Claimed nat'l titles 2 ( 1982, 1986 ) Unclaimed nat'l titles 5 ( 1911, 1912, 1969, 1981, 1994 ) Conference titles 5 ( PIFA 1891, Big Ten 1994, 2005, 2008, 2016 ) Division titles 2 ( 2011, 2016 ) Rivalries Pittsburgh ( rivalry ) Ohio State ( rivalry ) Michigan State ( rivalry ) West Virginia ( rivalry ) Alabama ( rivalry ) Maryland ( rivalry ) Syracuse ( rivalry ) Heisman winners Consensus All - Americans 42 Colors Blue and White Fight song Fight On, State Mascot Nittany Lion Marching band Penn State Blue Band Website www.gopsusports.com The Penn State Nittany Lions team represents the Pennsylvania State University in college football. The Nittany Lions compete in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the Big Ten Conference, which they joined in 1993 after playing as an Independent from their founding through 1992. Established in 1887, the Nittany Lions have achieved numerous on - field successes, the most notable of which include two consensus national championships ( 1982 and 1986 ), four Big Ten Conference Championships ( in 1994, 2005, 2008, and 2016 ), and 48 appearances in college bowl games, with a postseason bowl record of 29 -- 17 -- 2. The team is also # 8 all - time in total - wins, one game behind Oklahoma and Alabama. The Nittany Lions play their home games at Beaver Stadium, located on - campus in University Park, Pennsylvania. With an official seating capacity of 106,572, Beaver Stadium is the second - largest stadium in the western hemisphere, behind only Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The team is currently coached by James Franklin. Contents 1 History 1.1 Early history ( 1887 -- 1949 ) 1.2 Rip Engle era ( 1950 -- 1965 ) 1.3 Joe Paterno era ( 1966 -- 2011 ) 1.4 Bill O'Brien era ( 2012 -- 2013 ) 1.5 James Franklin era ( 2014 -- present ) 2 Head coaches 3 Championships 3.1 National championships 3.2 Conference championships 3.3 Perfect seasons 4 Bowl games 5 Traditions 5.1 Nittanyville 5.2 Success with Honor 5.3 Uniform 5.4 Captains 5.5 Linebacker U 6 2011 child sex abuse scandal 7 Rivalries 7.1 Michigan State 7.2 Minnesota 7.3 Pittsburgh 7.4 Ohio State 7.5 West Virginia 7.6 Syracuse 7.7 Alabama 7.8 Maryland 8 Current coaching staff 9 Individual award winners 9.1 Retired numbers 9.2 Players 9.3 Coaches 9.4 Other awards 10 Hall of Fame 10.1 Pro Football Hall of Fame 10.2 College Football Hall of Fame 11 Future non-conference opponents 12 Charity and awareness efforts 13 See Also 14 References 15 External links History See also : List of Penn State Nittany Lions football seasons Early history ( 1887 -- 1949 ) The first recorded game in Penn State football history occurred on November 12, 1881, when Penn State traveled to Lewisburg, Pennsylvania to play Bucknell, known until 1886 as the University of Lewisburg. Penn State won 9 -- 0, which was nine goals to none. At the time, this was really a game of `` American rugby. '' The father of American football, Walter Camp, did not develop the `` scrimmage '', the `` first down '' and the `` gridiron '' ( yard markings ) until 1882. Although this game was reported in two State College newspapers and the Mirror ( University of Lewisburg campus newspaper ), Bucknell denies that this game ever happened. Penn State did not field teams from 1882 through 1886. Penn State played its first season in 1887, but had no head coach for their first five years, from 1887 -- 1891. The teams played its home games on the Old Main lawn on campus in State College, Pennsylvania. They compiled a 12 -- 8 -- 1 record in these seasons, playing as an independent from 1887 -- 1890. In 1891, the Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Football Association ( PIFA ) was formed. It consisted of Bucknell ( University of Lewisburg ), Dickinson, Franklin & Marshall, Haverford, Penn State and Swarthmore. Lafayette and Lehigh were excluded because it was felt they would dominate the Association. Penn State won the championship with a 4 -- 1 -- 0 record. Bucknell 's record was 3 -- 1 -- 1 ( losing to Franklin & Marshall and tying Dickinson ). The Association was dissolved prior to the 1892 season. In 1894, the Penn State football team played the Muncy, Pennsylvania high school team. Penn State took an early 24 -- 0 lead, whereupon Muncy was allowed 14 players rather than the usual 11. That helped, but at half time the score was 42 -- 0. Muncy was then granted 7 downs instead of four. With 14 players, 7 downs, and Penn State letting its youngest players finish out the game, the final score was only 54 -- 0. George Hoskins, Penn State 's first head football coach George W. Hoskins was the first head football coach at Penn State. He posted a 17 -- 4 -- 4 record in his four seasons from 1892 -- 1895 as head coach, and his. 760 winning percentage ranks highest in program history. His first team played its home game on the Old Main lawn on campus in State College, Pennsylvania, before the 500 - seat Beaver Field opened in 1893. He was succeeded by Samuel B. Newton, who posted a 12 -- 14 (. 462 ) record in three seasons, 1896 -- 1898. Sam Boyle coached for only one year in 1899 and compiled a 4 -- 6 -- 1 record (. 409 ). Pop Golden coached the Nittany Lions for three seasons from 1900 -- 1902, tallying a record of 16 -- 12 -- 1 (. 569 ). Daniel A. Reed took over for the 1903 season and went 5 -- 3 (. 625 ). Tom Fennell coached the Nittany Lions for five seasons from 1904 -- 1908, posting a 33 -- 17 -- 1 (. 657 ) record. In 1907 the school adopted the Nittany Lion mascot, a mountain lion named after nearby Mount Nittany. An early mascot was `` Old Coaly '', a mule that hauled stone for the original Old Main ( completed in 1863 and demolished in 1929 ). Bill Hollenback took over the Nittany Lions as head coach for the 1909 season and went undefeated at 5 -- 0 -- 2, but left for Missouri for 1910. Bill 's older brother Jack Hollenback took over for the 1910 season and went 5 -- 2 -- 1 (. 688 ), but Bill returned to Penn State for 1911 -- 1914. Bill went 23 -- 9 -- 2 in his second tenure for a combined record of 28 -- 9 -- 4 (. 732 ). In 1911 and 1912, his teams went 8 -- 0 -- 1 and 8 -- 0 and were awarded retroactive national championships by the National Championship Foundation which are recognized by the NCAA. Head coach Dick Harlow brought a new form of defense, trying to go in - between or around offensive blockers rather than try to overpower them. Harlow 's Nittany Lions compiled a 20 -- 8 (. 714 ) record in his three seasons ( 1915 -- 1917 ) and was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach for his accomplishments. Hugo Bezdek was Penn State 's head football coach for 12 seasons and was the Nittany Lions ' first athletics director. Bezdek posted a 65 -- 30 -- 11 record, which included two undefeated seasons and a berth in the 1922 Rose Bowl, a game they lost. Bezdek 's Nittany Lions posted a losing record in only two of Bezdek 's seasons, going 1 -- 2 -- 1 in 1918 and 3 -- 5 -- 1 in 1928. Bezdek retired after the 1929 season and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach in 1954. Bob Higgins returned to his alma mater and served as Penn State 's head football coach for 19 seasons. He compiled a 91 -- 57 -- 11 overall record, which included 11 winning seasons and only five losing seasons. Higgins ' 1947 team tied SMU in the Cotton Bowl. Higgins was forced to retire due to poor health following the 1948 season. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach in 1954. For one season, Joe Bedenk, also a Penn State alum, served as the Nittany Lions ' head football coach. He was promoted from offensive line coach after the retirement of his predecessor. Bedenk posted a 5 -- 4 record in his 1949, his lone season as head coach, before requesting to return to his previous post as offensive line coach. Rip Engle Era ( 1950 -- 1965 ) Rip Engle came to Penn State from Brown. Engle posted a 104 -- 48 -- 4 record during his 16 season tenure as head coach and developed a game known as Angleball as a way for his players to maintain fitness in the off - season. Engle never had a losing season at Penn State, and his 5 -- 5 final season was his only non-winning season. His 1959 and 1960 Nittany Lions teams won the Liberty Bowl, while his 1961 and 1962 teams reached the Gator Bowl, winning the first and losing the second. Engle retired following the 1965 season and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach in 1973. Joe Paterno Era ( 1966 -- 2011 ) Joe Paterno Penn State assistant Joe Paterno was promoted to head coach following the retirement of Engle. Paterno spent 46 seasons as the head football coach, the longest tenure of any head coach in the FBS, and 16 more seasons as an assistant, making his 62 total years coaching at Penn State the most of any coach at any school. Under Paterno, Penn State played as an Independent from 1966 -- 1992, and he continued to coach them when they joined the Big Ten Conference in 1993 -- 2011. He also served as Penn State 's athletic director from 1980 -- 1982. His final record is 409 -- 136 -- 3. His teams won national championships in 1982 and 1986, posted non-losing records in all seasons but five, and appeared in 37 bowl games with 24 wins. His teams also won the Orange Bowl in 1968, 1969, 1973 and 2005 ; the Fiesta Bowl in 1977, 1980, 1981, 1986, 1991 and 1996 ; the Sugar Bowl in 1982 ; and the Rose Bowl in 1994. In June 1990, Penn State 's athletics program, after a century as a Division I-A independent, joined the Big Ten Conference. Beaver Stadium was expanded six times during Paterno 's tenure. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006 and was a major reason why the longtime rule of waiting until retirement to be inducted into the Hall of Fame was changed to any coach over 75 years of age. Players including Kerry Collins, Charlie Zapiec, Matt Millen, Shane Conlan, Jack Ham, Dennis Onkotz, Franco Harris, Greg Buttle, Keith Dorney, John Cappelletti, Curt Warner, Larry Johnson, LaVar Arrington and Ted Kwalick played collegiately for him. He won numerous coaching and sportsman honors during his long run at Penn State. Paterno has the most wins in FBS football and in college sports ( 409 ). As a result of the Penn State child sex abuse scandal involving longtime assistant Jerry Sandusky, Paterno was fired in November 2011, and all of the team 's wins from 1998 -- 2011 were forfeited. Paterno 's statue outside Beaver Stadium was also taken down. Defensive coordinator Tom Bradley finished out the 2011 season as interim head coach after Paterno 's ouster. The lost wins dropped Paterno from first to twelfth on the all - time wins list, but on January 16, 2015, the NCAA restored Paterno 's vacated wins, again making him the winningest FBS football coach. Bill O'Brien Era ( 2012 -- 2013 ) Bill O'Brien New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien was hired as the 15th head football coach at Penn State, taking over the scandal - ridden Nittany Lions football program in January 2012. Early in O'Brien's tenure, the NCAA sanctioned Penn State with a four - season postseason ban and a loss of 40 scholarships due to the child sex abuse scandal. O'Brien posted an 8 -- 4 record in his first season as head coach of the Nittany Lions, a much better record than most anticipated. O'Brien's 2013 Nittany Lions team posted a 7 -- 5 record in the second of four years they were ineligible for the postseason. In January 2014, Bill O'Brien left Penn State to accept the head coaching position with the NFL 's Houston Texans. James Franklin Era ( 2014 -- present ) On January 11, 2014, Vanderbilt head coach James Franklin was hired as the 16th Penn State head football coach. He is the first African American head football coach at Penn State. In Franklin 's first year, the NCAA lifted Penn State 's postseason ban and the Nittany Lions were bowl eligible. The Nittany Lions were named to the Pinstripe Bowl where they won against the Boston College Eagles on December 27, 2014 at Yankee Stadium. To start off the 2015 season, Penn State lost to Temple 27 -- 10, its first loss to the Owls since 1941. The loss was followed by victories against Buffalo, Rutgers, San Diego State, Army and Indiana. The Nittany Lions then lost to Ohio State 38 -- 10 in Columbus before winning, 31 -- 30, at Maryland. The victory against Maryland brought the Nittany Lions to six wins, making them bowl eligible for the second year since the postseason ban was lifted. Penn State then shut out the Illinois Fighting Illini 39 -- 0 in the second to last home game of the 2015 season. They then lost to Michigan in Happy Valley 28 -- 16 and to Michigan State 55 -- 16 at MSU. The win - loss record for Penn State in the 2015 regular season was 7 -- 5, and 7 -- 6 after a loss to Georgia in the Taxslayer Bowl in Jacksonville. The 2016 season marked the arrival of offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead and included an upset over # 2 Ohio State during a `` White - Out '' in State College. Following the win, Penn State was ranked 24th in the AP Poll, its first ranking since 2011. Penn State finished the regular season 10 -- 2, 8 -- 1 in Big Ten play. After winning a tiebreaker against rivals Ohio State, Penn State went on to claim the Big Ten East title and a spot in the Big Ten Championship game in Indianapolis against Big Ten West champion Wisconsin, which they won after trailing 28 -- 14 in the first half. They outscored the Badgers 24 -- 3 in the second half to take home the Nittany Lions ' fourth Big Ten Title. On August 18, 2017, Penn State announced that Franklin signed a six - year contract extension worth $5.738 million a year. That deal includes retention bonuses paid at the end of each year of the contract. `` My family and I are very thankful to be a part of the Penn State community, '' Franklin said in a statement. `` I am pleased with the progress our program has made in the community, in the classroom and on the field. I look forward to diligently working with President Barron and Director of Athletics Sandy Barbour on implementing a plan that puts our University and our student - athletes in the best position to compete on the field and in life. '' In addition to the guaranteed money, Franklin 's contract extension has incentives including $800,000 for a national title, $400,000 for a College Football Playoff appearance and $350,000 for winning the Big Ten Championship Game. His incentives are capped at $1 million per year. Penn State went to 7 -- 0 to begin the 2017 season, before losing on consecutive weekends to Ohio State and Michigan State. Penn State finished the regular season with wins over Rutgers, Nebraska and Maryland. Penn State capped the 2017 season at the Fiesta Bowl, beating Washington, 35 -- 28. After the 2017 season, offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead left PSU to take the head coaching position at Mississippi State. Head coaches Coach Years Seasons Record Pct. Cnf. Record Pct. Cnf. Titles Bowls Nat. Titles No coach 1887 -- 1891 5 12 -- 8 -- 1. 595 4 -- 1 -- 0. 800 George Hoskins 1892 -- 1895 17 -- 4 -- 4. 760 Samuel Newton 1896 -- 1898 12 -- 14 -- 0. 462 Sam Boyle 1899 4 -- 6 -- 1. 409 Pop Golden 1900 -- 1902 16 -- 12 -- 1. 569 Daniel A. Reed 1903 5 -- 3 -- 0. 625 Tom Fennell 1904 -- 1908 5 33 -- 17 -- 1. 657 Bill Hollenback 1909, 1911 -- 1914 5 28 -- 9 -- 4. 732 Jack Hollenback 1910 5 -- 2 -- 1. 688 Dick Harlow 1915 -- 1917 20 -- 8 -- 0. 714 Hugo Bezdek 1918 -- 1929 12 65 -- 30 -- 11. 665 Bob Higgins 1930 -- 1948 19 91 -- 57 -- 11. 607 Joe Bedenk 1949 5 -- 4 -- 0. 556 Rip Engle 1950 -- 1965 16 104 -- 48 -- 4. 679 Joe Paterno 1966 -- 2011 45 409 -- 136 -- 3. 749 95 -- 54 -- 0. 638 37 Tom Bradley 2011 < 1 1 -- 3. 250 1 -- 2. 333 Bill O'Brien 2012 -- 2013 15 -- 9. 625 10 -- 6. 625 James Franklin 2014 -- present 4th season 36 -- 17. 679 21 -- 13. 618 Totals 1887 -- present 129 878 -- 387 -- 42. 688 131 -- 76 -- 0. 633 5 48 Championships National championships Penn State has won two consensus national championships, both under Joe Paterno 's tenure as coach. Year Coach Selectors Record Bowl 1982 Joe Paterno AP, Coaches 11 -- 1 Won Sugar 1986 Joe Paterno AP, Coaches 12 -- 0 Won Fiesta Unclaimed national championship selections from NCAA - designated Major Selectors. Year Coach Selectors Record Bowl Result 1911 Bill Hollenback National Championship Foundation 8 -- 0 -- 1 None 1912 Bill Hollenback National Championship Foundation 8 -- 0 None 1969 Joe Paterno Rothman ( FACT ), Sagarin Ratings 11 -- 0 Orange Bowl W 10 -- 3 1981 Joe Paterno Dunkel System 10 -- 2 Fiesta Bowl W 26 -- 10 1994 Joe Paterno DeVold, Eck Ratings System, Rothman ( FACT ), Matthews Grid Ratings, National Championship Foundation, New York Times, Sagarin Ratings 12 -- 0 Rose Bowl W 38 -- 20 Conference championships The suite boxes on the east side of Beaver Stadium, with the highlighted years ( undefeated and championship seasons ) added in 2006 Penn State played as an independent from 1887 through 1890. On September 26, 1891, the Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Football Association ( PIFA ) was formed. The PIFA consisted of Bucknell, Dickinson, Franklin and Marshall, Haverford, Penn State and Swarthmore. Penn State won the championship with a 4 -- 1 -- 0 PIFA record losing only to Bucknell ( Bucknell 's record was 3 -- 1 -- 1 ). The PIFA dissolved prior to the 1892 season. Penn State then played as an independent again until joining the Big Ten Conference in 1990 and beginning play in 1993. Penn State then won its first Big Ten championship in 1994, they won two more in 2005 and 2008, and they won a fourth under James Franklin in 2016. Perfect seasons Penn State has had seven undefeated, untied seasons since the program started in 1887 : 1887 1912 1968 1969 1973 1986 1994 Bowl games Main article : List of Penn State Nittany Lions bowl games Penn State has earned invitations to 48 bowl games. The Nittany Lions have compiled a bowl record of 29 -- 17 -- 2 (. 625 ), including a 15 -- 6 -- 1 (. 705 ) record in the major bowls ( Rose, Orange, Sugar, Fiesta, and Cotton ). Coach Joe Paterno was responsible for most of these bids and victories, compiling more appearances ( 37 ) than any other coach in college football en route to his bowl record of 24 -- 12 -- 1 (. 662 ). Paterno also has a record of 14 -- 5 (. 737 ) in `` major '' bowls and is the only coach to have won all five major college bowls during his career. Season Coach Bowl Opponent Result 1922 Hugo Bezdek Rose Bowl USC L 3 -- 14 1947 Bob Higgins Cotton Bowl Classic SMU T 13 -- 13 1959 Rip Engle Liberty Bowl Alabama W 7 -- 0 1960 Rip Engle Liberty Bowl Oregon W 14 -- 12 1961 Rip Engle Gator Bowl Georgia Tech W 30 -- 15 1962 Rip Engle Gator Bowl Florida L 7 -- 17 1967 Joe Paterno Gator Bowl Florida State T 17 -- 17 1968 Joe Paterno Orange Bowl Kansas W 15 -- 14 1969 Joe Paterno Orange Bowl Missouri W 10 -- 3 1971 Joe Paterno Cotton Bowl Classic Texas W 30 -- 6 1972 Joe Paterno Sugar Bowl Oklahoma L 0 -- 14 1973 Joe Paterno Orange LSU W 16 -- 9 Joe Paterno Cotton Bowl Classic Baylor W 41 -- 20 Joe Paterno Sugar Bowl Alabama L 6 -- 13 1976 Joe Paterno Gator Bowl Notre Dame L 9 -- 20 1977 Joe Paterno Fiesta Bowl Arizona State W 42 -- 30 1978 Joe Paterno Sugar Bowl Alabama L 7 -- 14 1979 Joe Paterno Liberty Bowl Tulane W 9 -- 6 1980 Joe Paterno Fiesta Bowl Ohio State W 31 -- 19 1981 Joe Paterno Fiesta Bowl USC W 26 -- 10 1982 Joe Paterno Sugar Bowl Georgia W 27 -- 23 Joe Paterno Aloha Bowl Washington W 13 -- 10 1985 Joe Paterno Orange Bowl Oklahoma L 10 -- 25 1986 Joe Paterno Fiesta Bowl Miami ( FL ) W 14 -- 10 Joe Paterno Citrus Bowl Clemson L 10 -- 35 1989 Joe Paterno Holiday Bowl BYU W 50 -- 39 1990 Joe Paterno Blockbuster Bowl Florida State L 17 -- 24 1991 Joe Paterno Fiesta Bowl Tennessee W 42 -- 17 1992 Joe Paterno Blockbuster Bowl Stanford L 3 -- 24 1993 Joe Paterno Citrus Bowl Tennessee W 31 -- 13 1994 Joe Paterno Rose Bowl Oregon W 38 -- 20 1995 Joe Paterno Outback Bowl Auburn W 43 -- 14 Joe Paterno Fiesta Bowl Texas W 38 -- 15 1997 Joe Paterno Citrus Bowl Florida L 6 -- 21 1998 Joe Paterno Outback Bowl Kentucky W 26 -- 14 1999 Joe Paterno Alamo Bowl Texas A&M W 24 -- 0 2002 Joe Paterno Capital One Bowl Auburn L 9 -- 13 2005 Joe Paterno Orange Bowl Florida State W 26 -- 23 2006 Joe Paterno Outback Bowl Tennessee W 20 -- 10 2007 Joe Paterno Alamo Bowl Texas A&M W 24 -- 17 2008 Joe Paterno Rose Bowl USC L 24 -- 38 2009 Joe Paterno Capital One Bowl LSU W 19 -- 17 Joe Paterno Outback Bowl Florida L 24 -- 37 2011 Tom Bradley TicketCity Bowl Houston L 14 -- 30 2014 James Franklin Pinstripe Bowl Boston College W 31 -- 30 2015 James Franklin TaxSlayer Bowl Georgia L 17 -- 24 2016 James Franklin Rose Bowl USC L 49 -- 52 2017 James Franklin Fiesta Bowl Washington W 35 -- 28 By game Bowl # Appearances Record Alamo Bowl 1999, 2008 2 -- 0 Aloha Bowl 1 -- 0 Blockbuster Bowl 1990, 1993 0 -- 2 Citrus Bowl / Capital One Bowl 5 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2010 2 -- 3 Cotton Bowl Classic 1948, 1972, 1975 2 -- 0 -- 1 Fiesta Bowl 7 1977, 1980, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2017 7 -- 0 Gator Bowl / TaxSlayer Bowl 5 1961, 1962, 1967, 1976, 2015 1 -- 3 -- 1 Holiday Bowl 1989 1 -- 0 Liberty Bowl 1959, 1960, 1979 3 -- 0 Orange Bowl 5 1969, 1970, 1974, 1986, 2005 4 -- 1 Outback Bowl 1996, 1999, 2007, 2011 3 -- 1 Pinstripe Bowl 2014 1 -- 0 TicketCity Bowl 2012 0 -- 1 Rose Bowl 1923, 1994, 2009, 2017 1 -- 3 Sugar Bowl 1972, 1976, 1979, 1983 1 -- 3 Traditions Nittanyville `` Nittanyville '', originally known as Paternoville, is the name attributed to the student tradition of camping out in front of Beaver Stadium prior to a home football game. Each week before a home game, students camp out in front of the stadium in order to hold their positions in line for front - row seats. Football players, the Blue Band, local food vendors and even the coaching staff frequently visit Nittanyville, pepping up the students as game days draw near. Nittanyville is governed by the student - run Nittanyville Coordination Committee. The tradition was established during the 2005 football season, when students began setting up tents and `` camping '' in front of Beaver Stadium one week before the game with rival school Ohio State on October 8. Success with Honor Joe Paterno was widely known for his `` grand experiment '' in which he challenged his players to be successful both on the field and in the classroom. In 2011, the Nittany Lion football team posted an 87 % graduation rate, tied with Stanford for No. 10 overall among the nation 's 120 Football Bowl Subdivision ( FBS ) institutions, above the national average of 67 %. The June 2012 conviction of former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky on multiple counts of child sexual abuse marred the `` Success with Honor '' image. President Rodney Erickson, athletics director Dave Joyner, and head football coach Bill O'Brien, all of whom accepted their jobs in the wake of the scandal, have made statements in which they express commitment to maintaining integrity at the university and within the athletics programs. In 2012, a group of alumni and supporters established a non-profit organization ( 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) and registered trademark ) that will build upon the `` Success with Honor '' motto. Their mission is to promote and support charitable endeavors as well as to inspire others to `` Get in the Game. '' Success with Honor is a Social Network Community that has identified more than 60 + charities. Success with Honor helps individuals to identify and connect with causes they 'd like to volunteer their skills, time, and / or money to. Similarly, SWH assists charities in finding individuals to meet their current needs. Uniform The Nittany Lions playing against the Virginia Cavaliers in 2012 at Scott Stadium : note the simple uniforms of the Nittany Lions during their away games. The team is widely noted for their simple game uniforms. They only wear white pants, and the jerseys are simple blue for home games, and white for away games. The team is only allowed to wear simple black Nike shoes with white calf socks for game days, though blue tights are permitted underneath the white socks for cold weather games. The helmet is white with a blue stripe down the center, and a blue on white `` Penn State '' sticker covers up the forehead helmet logo. No team logos, conference logos, numbers, or other stickers are permitted on the helmet, though two Nike logos are on facemask visors that some players choose to wear. Penn State has started to wear bowl decals only starting with 1997 Fiesta Bowl. Before that, Penn State always declined the decals so they can play out of their simple game uniforms. The blue and white uniforms replaced pink and black ones in 1890. The uniforms became even simpler for the 2011 season, as the white cuffs and collars on the home jerseys and the corresponding blue cuffs and collars on the road jerseys were eliminated, leaving the jerseys solid blue and white, respectively. In 2012 Penn State started wearing names on their uniforms for the first time as a way to note the players who stuck with the school through the scandal and a blue ribbon in support the victims of child abuse. In 2013, the Nittany Lion logo was added to the base of the jersey collar along with the Big Ten logo on the right side of the jersey. Starting in 2015, the names that were added throughout the 2012 -- 14 seasons to honor those who stayed with the program were removed and the team reverted to the traditional nameless jerseys while still retaining the Nittany Lion logo at the base of the jersey collar. The team also began sporting new Nike Elite 51 jerseys which feature a new design on the collars. In addition, the team added the words `` Nittany Lions '' onto the back of the football helmets. For the 2017 homecoming game against the Indiana Hoosiers, Penn State broke tradition by donning throwback jerseys in what was dubbed the `` Generations of Greatness '' game. These uniforms integrated elements from past uniforms, including : numbers on helmets ' sides, block uniform numbers, white stripes on sleeves, blue stripes on pants, striped socks, gray facemasks, white cleats, and a few other subtle changes. Captains Captains are chosen by the team, with the head coach 's approval. Being named a captain is an honor almost always given to a senior, but there are some notable exceptions : Linebacker Sean Lee was named a captain in the beginning of Spring practice in 2008, the beginning of his 4th year with the team. However, he suffered a torn ACL during spring practice, redshirted in 2008, and returned as a captain again in 2009. The most recent example of a `` true '' junior being named was Paul Posluszny, who was named a captain in both 2005 and 2006, his junior and senior years, respectively. The last time a junior was named captain before Posluszny was in 1968, when Steve Smear and Mike Reid were named captains during their junior years. In 2014, Christian Hackenberg became the first true sophomore to be named team captain. Linebacker U Penn State is often referred to as Linebacker U for its reputation of producing outstanding linebackers. Dennis Onkotz was a two - time All American in 1968 and 1969 and played on two undefeated teams. Jack Ham finished his career with 251 tackles, blocked two punts and went on to play on two undefeated teams. Ham later went on to the NFL, playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Charlie Zapiec a fourth round draft pick of the Dallas Cowboys, went on to star in the Canadian Football League as a linebacker with the Montreal Alouettes coached by future NFL Legend Marv Levy. Zapiec switched from offensive guard in his senior year and also received All - American honors ; in the two years he started as a guard and the one year as a linebacker, he accumulated 34 wins, including three major bowl victories, while suffering only one loss, the best record for a starter at Penn State. Edward William O'Neil, an American football coach and former professional linebacker, played seven seasons in the National Football League ( NFL ). From 1970 -- 1973, he played linebacker at Penn State. A three - year letterman, he was team captain of the Nittany Lions ' undefeated 1973 team and was named an All - American that same season. Greg Buttle was a linebacker during the 1973 -- 1975 seasons, finishing with 305 tackles in his junior and senior year. He was drafted by the New York Jets and is a part of the All Jet team. Shane Conlan was a two - time All - American and defensive MVP of the 1987 National Championship Fiesta Bowl. He was drafted No. 1 by the Bills in 1987, named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and was named to three straight Pro Bowls ( 1988 -- 90 ). Lavar Arrington finished with 319 career tackles and 139 tackles for losses. He was later drafted second overall by the Washington Redskins. Cameron Wake ( Known as Derek Wake when at Penn State ) went on to capture MVP honors for the British Columbia Lions in the Canadian Football League before moving on to the Miami Dolphins and leading the National Football League in sacks during the 2010 season. Tamba Hali was the 20th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft and led the AFC in sacks during the 2010 NFL season, helping the Kansas City Chiefs reach the playoffs. He played defensive end during his college career. Paul Posluszny played from 2003 -- 2006. Posluszny won the Dick Butkus Award in 2005 and the Chuck Bednarik Award in 2005 and 2006. He finished with 372 tackles and was drafted by the Buffalo Bills. Currently playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Dan Connor finished his career as the all - time leading tackler for Penn State with 419 and was drafted by the Carolina Panthers. Sean Lee graduated from Penn State in 2009 and is an inside linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys. NaVorro Bowman, drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 2010 draft, ranked seventh in the league in tackles in 2011 and was named an AP first team All - Pro for his 2011 campaign. Bowman currently play for the Oakland Raiders. Michael Mauti and Gerald Hodges were `` Co-Linebacker U '' in 2012, both achieved over 95 tackles and both were drafted by the Minnesota Vikings. Both players now play for Mauti 's hometown team New Orleans Saints. 2011 child sex abuse scandal Main article : Penn State child sex abuse scandal This section is too long. Consider splitting it into new pages, adding subheadings, or condensing it. ( February 2018 ) The Penn State child sex abuse scandal centered on then retired Pennsylvania State University football assistant coach Jerry Sandusky 's sexual assault of two underage boys on or near university property. After an extensive grand jury investigation, Sandusky was indicted on 52 counts of child molestation dating from 1994 The trial of Jerry Sandusky on 52 charges of sexual crimes against children started on June 11, 2012, at the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania and ended on the evening of June 22, 2012, when the jury found Sandusky guilty on 45 of the 48 counts against him. Several high - level school officials were charged with perjury, suspended, or dismissed for allegedly covering up the incidents or failing to notify authorities. In the wake of the scandal, school president Graham Spanier was forced to resign, and head football coach Joe Paterno was fired without cause late in the season, while Sandusky maintained his innocence. Former FBI director Louis Freeh, whose firm was hired by the Penn State Board of Trustees to conduct an independent investigation into the scandal, concluded, after, ostensibly, conducting over 400 interviews and reviewing over 3.5 million documents, that Paterno, Spanier, Curley and Schultz had `` repeatedly concealed critical facts relating to Sandusky 's child abuse from the authorities, the Board of Trustees, Penn State community, and the public at large. '' In an interview conducted by Showtime 's 60 Minutes Sports, the former Chief Deputy Attorney General of Pennsylvania, Frank Fina, who investigated and prosecuted Jerry Sandusky, stated that he found no evidence that Joe Paterno participated in a cover - up. On July 23, 2012, NCAA announced that it had fined the Penn State football program $60 million, levied a four - year ban from bowl games and vacated all of the program 's 112 wins from 1998 to 2011. They were originally scheduled to lose 10 scholarships from the incoming classes in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016, which would have been a loss of 40 total scholarships. They were set to have a maximum of 75 players on scholarship in 2013, then be down to 65 total scholarships for 2014, 2015 and 2016, before increasing back up to 75 in 2017 and return to a full allotment of 85 scholarships for the 2018 season. On September 24, 2013, the NCAA announced they were restoring 25 of the 40 scholarships to Penn State `` ( d ) ue to Penn State University 's continued progress toward ensuring athletics integrity ''. After losing 10 scholarships from the 2013 -- 2014 incoming class ( bringing in 15 players instead of the normal 25 ) and only having 75 total players on scholarship, Penn State gained five scholarships back for 2014 -- 15, bringing in 20 new players with 80 total players on scholarship. Full scholarships were regained for 2016 -- 17, two years ahead of schedule. In total they lost only 15 scholarships, compared to the original penalty of 40 scholarships. The decision to return the scholarships was the result of a unanimous decision of the executive committee of the NCAA following a recommendation from the former US Sen. George Mitchell. The NCAA had appointed Mitchell to monitor the progress of Penn State and adopting recommended reforms to enhance their `` security, ethics, governance and compliance structure ''. The decision to accept the recommendation was based upon the belief that the restored scholarships would provide benefits to student - athletes. Several lawsuits were filed against NCAA related to the levy of penalties. In September 2014 the NCAA, under the auspices of favorable reports from Mitchell, announced that Penn State would be eligible for the 2014 postseason and all scholarships restored in 2015. The team 's wins and records that had previously been vacated due to the scandal were restored, pending full approval, as part of a legal settlement in January 2015. Rivalries Michigan State Main article : Michigan State -- Penn State football rivalry Since 1993, Penn State has played Michigan State for the Land Grant Trophy. Michigan State currently holds possession of the trophy after winning the 2017 contest. Beginning with the league 's expansion and new division format in 2011, the two teams were in different divisions and did not play annually, however this series renewed in the 2014 season and continue yearly as they will both be in the Big Ten 's Eastern Division. Penn State has a 14 -- 8 record in these trophy games. Michigan State currently leads the series 16 -- 15 -- 1. Minnesota Main article : Minnesota -- Penn State football rivalry The Nittany Lions taking the field against Minnesota in 2005. Since 1993, Penn State has played Minnesota for the Governor 's Victory Bell sporadically in their Big Ten schedule. Due to the latest changes in the Big Ten 's scheduling procedures, the series will be held approximately two times every seven years starting in 2014 ; this will change to three times every seven years when the Big Ten adds another conference game effective 2016. Penn State won the most recent meeting 29 -- 26 in overtime on October 1, 2016 in State College. The next game is scheduled for November 9, 2019 in Minnesota. Penn State currently leads the all - time series 9 -- 5. Pittsburgh Main article : Penn State -- Pittsburgh football rivalry This is a long - standing series between in - state rivals Penn State and Pittsburgh. Once considered the fiercest and most important college football rivalry north of the Mason -- Dixon line, this rivalry was first played in 1893 when Penn State won 32 -- 0. The most recent game in the series was played in 2017 with Penn State winning over Pittsburgh 33 - 14 at Beaver Stadium. The Pitt - Penn State game is scheduled to continue annually through 2019, with the 2017 and 2019 contests taking place at Beaver Stadium in State College and the 2018 contest taking place at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. Penn State has not played more games against any other opponent, whereas Pitt has only played more against West Virginia University. The game scheduled for 2019 in State College will mark their 100th matchup. Penn State currently holds a 51 -- 43 -- 4 record in the series Ohio State Main article : Ohio State -- Penn State football rivalry The rivalry began before Penn State was a member of the Big Ten. The first four meetings in the series were stretched out over the course of 53 seasons between 1912 and 1964 which Penn State won all of. Then Ohio State won in 1975 in a game held in Columbus, Ohio and again in 1976 during the first ever match - up between the two teams in State College, Pennsylvania. Penn State and Ohio State would meet again in 1980 in their first and only postseason bowl, the 1980 Fiesta Bowl, which Penn State won. After the Fiesta Bowl, the two teams would not meet again until Penn State joined the Big Ten in 1993. Since then, the Nittany Lions and Buckeyes have played each other annually. Ohio State currently leads the series 18 -- 14. West Virginia Main article : Penn State -- West Virginia football rivalry Penn State and West Virginia have played each other 59 times. The first game was in 1904 when Penn state won that game 34 - 0. The two teams announced on September 19, 2013 that a home and home series has been scheduled for 2023 and 2024. This series has been dominated by the Nittany Lions, currently leading the series 48 - 9 - 2. Syracuse Main article : Penn State -- Syracuse football rivalry The rivalry started in 1922, when Syracuse fought Penn State to a 0 -- 0 tie. But it was during the 1950s and 1960s that the rivalry intensified, as it enjoyed a competitive and often controversial string of contests. Syracuse football was led by Ben Schwartzwalder, and Penn State by Rip Engle, then Joe Paterno. From 1950 to 1970, Syracuse won 11 games to Penn State 's 10. After Schwartzwalder retired in 1973, Syracuse floundered. Penn State won 16 straight from 1971 to 1986. Conference realignment and scheduling disagreements also dampened the intensity of the rivalry. Penn State fans and players increasingly turned their attention to the rivalry with Pittsburgh. In 1987, Coach Dick MacPherson finally led Syracuse to a resounding 48 -- 21 victory over the Nittany Lions in the Dome. Syracuse won again the following year in Happy Valley but lost the last two games before the series was suspended in 1991. The rivalry has since been renewed three times since the series suspension -- in 2008, 2009, and 2013. The Nittany Lions won all three of these contests. Penn State leads the series 43 -- 23 -- 5. Alabama Main article : Alabama -- Penn State football rivalry Though the Crimson Tide are not as much of a traditional opponent for the Nittany Lions, the two teams are still often considered among the best in the country, claim a combined 18 national titles, and have met in a bowl game three times. The series began on December 19, 1959 in that year 's edition of the Liberty Bowl, a 7 -- 0 win for # 12 Penn State. Sixteen years later, the Nittany Lions and Crimson Tide met in the 1975 Sugar Bowl, resulting in a 13 -- 6 Tide victory in New Orleans. Perhaps the most notable game between these two teams came four years later, in a 1979 Sugar Bowl rematch, resulting in another Alabama victory. The rivalry was intensified during the 1980s, when the Lions and Tide met in 10 consecutive seasons, all during regular season play. After this time, the rivalry went dormant for two decades before being renewed for a 2 - game home - and - home series in 2010 and 2011. In all, Alabama leads the series, 10 -- 5. Maryland Main article : Maryland -- Penn State football rivalry Penn State and Maryland met in briefly interrupted stretches between 1917 and 1993, with a near - consecutive run played all but three years ( 1976, 1981, and 1983 ) between 1960 and 1993. However, the one - sided record belies what was often a competitive match - up until its final years. While Maryland only compiled one win and one tie, numerous games were narrowly lost by missed field goals and turnovers. In 1975, a field goal attempt by kicker Mike Sochko hit the upright with under a minute left, and Maryland lost 15 -- 13. Ten years later, the Terps missed three field goals to eventually lose 20 -- 18. After the Nittany Lions ' move to the Big Ten Conference in 1993, the series was cancelled. However, Maryland ended up joining the Big Ten as well, in 2014, reinstating the rivalry after more than 2 decades of being dormant. They are scheduled to play annually as part of the conference schedule. Both schools compete aggressively for recruits in the Baltimore -- Washington metropolitan area and Delaware Valley. Current coaching staff Staff as of March 2018. Position Name First Year Alma mater Head Coach James Franklin 2014 East Stroudsburg ( 1994 ) Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers Brent Pry 2014 Buffalo ( 1993 ) Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks Ricky Rahne 2014 Cornell ( 2002 ) Tight ends / Offensive Recruiting Coordinator Tyler Bowen 2018 Maryland ( 2009 ) Wide receivers David Corley Jr. 2018 William & Mary ( 2002 ) Assistant Head Coach / Cornerbacks / Defensive Recruiting Coordinator Terry Smith 2014 Penn State ( 1991 ) Safeties / Co-Defensive Coordinator Tim Banks 2016 Central Michigan ( 1995 ) Run Game Coordinator / Offensive Line Matt Limegrover 2016 University of Chicago ( 1990 ) Associate Head Coach / Defensive Line / Run Game Coordinator Sean Spencer 2014 Clarion ( 1995 ) Assistant Defensive Line / Special Teams Coordinator Phil Galiano 2018 Shippensburg University Running Backs Ja'Juan Seider 2018 West Virginia Strength and Conditioning Dwight Galt 2014 Maryland Individual award winners Retired numbers No. Player Position Career Date of Retirement 22 John Cappelletti RB 1970 -- 73 September 7, 2013 Players Heisman Trophy John Cappelletti -- 1973 Maxwell Award Richie Lucas -- 1959 Glenn Ressler -- 1964 Mike Reid -- 1969 John Cappelletti -- 1973 Chuck Fusina -- 1978 Kerry Collins -- 1994 Larry Johnson -- 2002 Walter Camp Award John Cappelletti -- 1973 Larry Johnson -- 2002 Sammy Baugh Trophy Kerry Collins -- 1994 Chuck Bednarik Award LaVar Arrington -- 1999 Paul Posluszny -- 2005, 2006 Dan Connor -- 2007 William V. Campbell Trophy John Urschel -- 2013 Fred Biletnikoff Award Bobby Engram -- 1994 ( inaugural winner ) Dick Butkus Award LaVar Arrington -- 1999 Paul Posluszny -- 2005 Rimington Trophy A.Q. Shipley -- 2008 Lombardi Award Bruce Clark -- 1978 Carl Nassib -- 2015 Ted Hendricks Award Carl Nassib -- 2015 Davey O'Brien Award Todd Blackledge -- 1982 Kerry Collins -- 1994 Outland Trophy Mike Reid -- 1969 Doak Walker Award Larry Johnson -- 2002 Chicago Tribune Silver Football Kerry Collins -- 1994 Michael Robinson -- 2005 Daryll Clark -- 2009 Saquon Barkley - 2016, 2017 Senior CLASS Award -- Football John Urschel -- 2013 Coaches Amos Alonzo Stagg Award Rip Engle -- 1969 Joe Paterno -- 2002 AT&T - ESPN Coach of the Year Bill O'Brien -- 2012 Big Ten Coach of the Year Joe Paterno - 1994, 2005, 2008 Bill O'Brien -- 2012 James Franklin - 2016 Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award Joe Paterno -- 1981, 2005 Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Joe Paterno -- 1978, 1982, 1986 George Munger Award Joe Paterno -- 1990, 1994, 2005 Maxwell Coach of the Year Bill O'Brien -- 2012 Paul `` Bear '' Bryant Award Joe Paterno -- 1986 Bill O'Brien -- 2012 The Home Depot Coach of the Year Award Joe Paterno -- 2005 Walter Camp Coach of the Year Joe Paterno -- 1972, 1994, 2005 Woody Hayes Coach of the Year James Franklin - 2016 Other awards Lambert Trophy -- 1947, 1961, 1962, 1964, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1981, 1982, 1985, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2013, 2016, 2017 Hall of Fame Pro Football Hall of Fame See also : Pro Football Hall of Fame Penn State is one of 11 schools with five or more inductees in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Name Position NFL team ( s ) Inducted Jack Ham Linebacker Pittsburgh Steelers 1988 Franco Harris Running back Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks 1990 Mike Michalske Guard Green Bay Packers 1964 Lenny Moore Flanker / running back Baltimore Colts Mike Munchak Guard Houston Oilers 2001 Dave Robinson Linebacker Green Bay Packers 2013 College Football Hall of Fame See also : College Football Hall of Fame Including former head coach Joe Paterno, 24 Nittany Lion players and coaches have been selected for the College Football Hall of Fame. Name Position Inducted Hugo Bezdek Coach 1954 John Cappelletti Halfback 1993 Kerry Collins Quarterback 2018 Shane Conlan Linebacker 2014 Keith Dorney Offensive tackle 2005 Rip Engle Coach 1973 Jack Ham Linebacker 1990 Dick Harlow Coach 1954 Bob Higgins Coach 1954 Glenn Killinger Quarterback 1971 Ted Kwalick Tight end 1989 Richie Lucas Quarterback 1986 Pete Mauthe Fullback 1957 Shorty Miller Quarterback Lydell Mitchell Running back Dennis Onkotz Linebacker 1995 Joe Paterno Coach 2007 Mike Reid Defensive tackle Glenn Ressler Center / guard 2001 Dave Robinson End 1997 Steve Suhey Guard 1985 Dexter Very End 1976 Curt Warner Halfback 2009 Harry Wilson Halfback 1973 Future non-conference opponents Announced schedules as of September 4, 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 vs Appalachian State vs Idaho vs Nevada vs Ball State at Auburn vs West Virginia at West Virginia vs Virginia Tech at Pittsburgh vs Buffalo at Virginia Tech vs Auburn vs Kent State vs Pittsburgh vs San José Charity and awareness efforts The Penn State football team has worked in coordination with Uplifting Athletes, a non-profit organization, to raise awareness and funds for the Kidney Cancer Association. In 2003 the team turned their annual weight - lifting competition into a fund - raiser when a player 's father was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer. The event that is now known as Lift for Life, has raised more than $225,000 since its inception. See Also List of Penn State Nittany Lions Head Football Coaches References Jump up ^ Penn State Artwork ( PDF ). November 6, 2017. Retrieved March 22, 2018. Jump up ^ `` Storied programs dominate Ladder 119 's top rungs ''. ESPN. July 27, 2007. Retrieved December 9, 2007. Jump up ^ Musselman, Ron ( October 27, 2007 ). `` Penn State visit from No. 1 ''. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved December 9, 2007. Jump up ^ Carey, Jack ( October 3, 2005 ). `` Storied programs revive tradition ''. USA Today. Retrieved December 9, 2007. Jump up ^ Harris, Jaclyn ( February 10, 2015 ). `` Winningest college football programs and coaches of all - time ''. Quintevents. Retrieved July 12, 2015. ^ Jump up to : `` Penn State Football History Database ''. nationalchamps.net. Jump up ^ Taber, Thomas T. ( 1994 ). History of Muncy. Muncy Historical Society. p. 90 - 91 ^ Jump up to : `` George Hoskins Bio ''. The Official Home of the Penn State Nittany Lions. CBS Interactive. Jump up ^ Penn State Nittany Lions Football Under Samuel Newton. Placpublishing. 2011. ISBN 9786137842638. Jump up ^ `` Samuel Newton ''. College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Jump up ^ `` Sam Boyle ''. College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Jump up ^ `` Pop Golden ''. College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Jump up ^ `` Daniel Reed ''. College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Jump up ^ `` Tom Fennell ''. College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Jump up ^ Rappoport, Ken ; Wilner, Barry ( August 15, 2009 ). Penn State Football. ISBN 9781616731045. ^ Jump up to : `` Bill Hollenback ''. College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Jump up ^ `` William M. Hollenback ''. PennAthletics.com. Archived from the original on March 20, 2014. Jump up ^ `` Jack Hollenback ''. College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Jump up ^ Koios, Eloi Rylan ( October 2011 ). Penn State Nittany Lions Football Under Bill Hollenback. ISBN 9786137836941. ^ Jump up to : `` Dick Harlow Bio ''. The Official Home of the Penn State Nittany Lions. CBS Interactive. Jump up ^ `` Dick Harlow ''. College Football at Sports-Reference.com. ^ Jump up to : `` Hugo Bezdek ''. College Football at Sports-Reference.com. ^ Jump up to : `` Hugo Bezdek Bio ''. The Official Home of the Penn State Nittany Lions. CBS Interactive. Retrieved November 1, 2015. ^ Jump up to : `` Bob Higgins ''. College Football at Sports-Reference.com. ^ Jump up to : `` Bob Higgins Bio ''. The Official Home of the Penn State Nittany Lions. CBS Interactive. ^ Jump up to : `` Joe Bedenk ''. College Football at Sports-Reference.com. ^ Jump up to : `` Joe Paterno Bio ''. The Official Home of the Penn State Nittany Lions. CBS Interactive. November 1, 2015. ^ Jump up to : `` Rip Engle Bio -- Penn State Official Athletic Site ''. The Official Home of the Penn State Nittany Lions. CBS Interactive. November 1, 2015. ^ Jump up to : `` The Sports Illustrated Vault ''. SI.com. ^ Jump up to : `` Rip Engle ''. College Football at Sports-Reference.com. ^ Jump up to : `` Joe Paterno ''. College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Jump up ^ `` Big Ten Conference Official Site ''. bigten.org. Archived from the original on August 7, 2008. Jump up ^ Brian Jones. `` Ranking the 10 Best Players to Ever Play for Penn State Coach Joe Paterno ''. Bleacher Report. ^ Jump up to : `` Paterno fired over Penn St. child abuse scandal ''. CBS News. CBS. November 10, 2011. Retrieved November 1, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Penn State trustee says he regrets Paterno vote, resigns ''. CBSSports.com. Jump up ^ `` Paterno statue removed at Penn St ''. CNN. July 22, 2012. Archived from the original on August 25, 2012. Jump up ^ `` Board explains firing of Joe Paterno ''. ESPN. March 12, 2012. Retrieved November 2, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Penn State sanctions : $60 M, bowl ban ''. ESPN. July 24, 2012. Retrieved November 2, 2015. Jump up ^ Jongman, Jere ; Tracy, Marc ( January 16, 2015 ). `` The Rehabilitation of Joe Paterno, Back at No. 1 ''. The New York Times. Retrieved November 1, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Penn State hires Bill O'Brien as football coach ''. CBS News. CBS. January 6, 2012. Retrieved November 1, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Penn State Nittany Lions hit with $60 million fine, 4 - year bowl ban, wins dating to 1998 ''. ESPN. Jump up ^ `` 2012 Penn State Nittany Lions Football Schedule ''. FBSchedules.com. Jump up ^ `` 2013 Penn State Nittany Lions Football Schedule ''. FBSchedules.com. Jump up ^ Chris Burke. `` Bill O'Brien to be named Texans ' new head coach ''. SI.com. Archived from the original on January 1, 2014. Jump up ^ `` Penn State Nittany Lions Index - College Football at Sports-Reference.com ''. College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Jump up ^ Graves, Will ( January 12, 2014 ). `` Passionate, proud Franklin named first permanent Black head football coach at Penn State ''. New Pittsburgh Courier. Retrieved November 1, 2015. Jump up ^ `` The Official Site of the New Era Pinstripe Bowl ''. pinstripebowl.com. Jump up ^ `` Penn State hires Joe Moorhead as new offensive coordinator ''. December 12, 2015. Jump up ^ `` AP Top 25 poll : Penn State ranked for the first time since 2011 ''. Jump up ^ `` Penn State rallies past Wisconsin to win Big Ten, makes Playoff case ''. Jump up ^ `` Penn State, James Franklin agree to three - year extension worth $20 million ''. Jump up ^ `` James Franklin inks contract extension - Penn State University ''. Jump up ^ `` Penn State coach James Franklin signs pricey six - year extension at $5.7 M per year ''. Jump up ^ `` Washington vs. Penn State - Game Recap - December 30, 2017 - ESPN ''. ESPN.com. Jump up ^ `` Miss. St. hands reins to ' blue - collar ' Moorhead ''. Jump up ^ Penn State Football 2013 Media Guide Penn State Football 2013 Media Guide Jump up ^ `` Penn State Coaching Records ''. College Football Data Warehouse. November 12, 2011. Retrieved November 12, 2011. Jump up ^ 2017 NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Records ( PDF ). Indianapolis : The National Collegiate Athletic Association. July 2017. Retrieved July 31, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Nittanyville is about more than the best seats in the house Penn State University ''. Retrieved 2018 - 06 - 13. Jump up ^ `` Paternoville Coordination Committee ''. Retrieved October 10, 2011. Jump up ^ `` History of Paternoville ''. Retrieved October 10, 2011. Jump up ^ `` Paterno 's Grand Experiment produced perfection ''. FOX Sports. 2012 - 01 - 23. Retrieved 2018 - 06 - 13. Jump up ^ `` Penn State Football Tied For Best Graduation Success Rate Among BCS / AP Top 25 Teams ''. The Official Home of the Penn State Nittany Lions. CBS Interactive. November 2, 2011. Retrieved August 10, 2012. Jump up ^ `` Juror : Sandusky lacked emotion, confirming correct verdict ''. Fox News. June 23, 2012. Retrieved August 10, 2012. Jump up ^ `` Erickson, Joyner, O'Brien Release Statements ''. Black Shoe Diaries. July 23, 2012. Retrieved August 10, 2012. Jump up ^ `` Archived copy ''. Archived from the original on 2013 - 02 - 17. Retrieved 2013 - 02 - 02. Jump up ^ Fornelli. `` Penn State making uniform change ''. Archived from the original on February 28, 2011. Retrieved May 7, 2011. Jump up ^ `` Bleed Pink and Black ? Corner of College and Allen ''. Studentblog.worldcampus.psu.edu. October 16, 2009. Archived from the original on January 16, 2012. Retrieved August 10, 2012. Jump up ^ `` Penn State to add names to back of football jerseys ''. Philly.com. August 7, 2012. Retrieved August 10, 2012. Jump up ^ `` Penn State Football to Remove Names from Jerseys ''. Jump up ^ `` FB Announces Generations of Greatness Game ''. Retrieved 2018 - 06 - 13. Jump up ^ Hudson, Beth ( August 2, 2005 ). `` PSU tri-captains bring a solid mix to the table ''. The Morning Call. Allentown, Pennsylvania. Retrieved April 10, 2013. Jump up ^ `` Community -- CentreDaily.com ''. centredaily.com. Jump up ^ Collegian, Anthony Picardi The Daily. `` The origins of Penn State football 's Linebacker U ''. The Daily Collegian. Retrieved 2018 - 06 - 13. ^ Jump up to : Hubbell, Mike ( January 10, 2007 ). `` The Greatest Penn State Linebackers of All Time ''. Black Shoe Diaries -- SB Nation. Vox Media. Retrieved April 10, 2013. ^ Jump up to : Archer, Todd ( October 26, 2011 ). `` Sean Lee part of new / old Linebacker U ''. Dallas Cowboys Blog. ESPN Dallas. Retrieved April 10, 2013. Jump up ^ Sat, Aug 188 : 00 PM ET ( May 28, 1988 ). `` NaVorro Bowman Stats, News, Videos, Highlights, Pictures, Bio -- San Francisco 49ers ''. ESPN. Retrieved August 10, 2012. Jump up ^ `` Michael Mauti ''. ESPN. Jump up ^ `` Gerald Hodges ''. ESPN. Jump up ^ Sara Ganim ( November 17, 2011 ). `` Exclusive : Jerry Sandusky interview prompts long - ago victims to contact lawyer ''. The Patriot - News. Retrieved November 21, 2011. Jump up ^ Belson, Ken ( June 11, 2012 ). `` Sandusky 's Trial Begins With Graphic Testimony ''. The New York Times. Retrieved June 12, 2012. Jump up ^ Curry, Colleen ; Avila, Jim ( June 11, 2012 ). `` Jerry Sandusky Offered Victim 4 a Contract to Keep Seeing Him ''. ABC News. Retrieved June 12, 2012. Jump up ^ Scolforo, Mark ; Armas, Genaro ( June 22, 2012 ). `` Ex-Penn St. assistant Sandusky convicted of abuse ''. Associated Press. Retrieved June 22, 2012. Jump up ^ Drape, Joe ( June 22, 2012 ). `` Sandusky Convicted of Sexually Abusing Boys ''. The New York Times. Retrieved June 23, 2012. Jump up ^ `` Two Top Officials Step Down Amid Penn State Scandal ''. Fox News. Associated Press. November 7, 2011. Retrieved November 9, 2011. Jump up ^ `` Jerry Sandusky regrets showers with boys at Penn State ''. BBC News Online. November 14, 2011. Retrieved November 14, 2011. Jump up ^ `` Penn State 's Part ''. The New York Times. July 12, 2012. Retrieved July 13, 2012. Jump up ^ Johnson, Kevin ; Marklein, Mary Beth ( July 13, 2012 ). `` Freeh report blasts culture of Penn State ''. USA Today. Archived from the original on July 13, 2012. Jump up ^ `` Remarks of Louis Freeh in Conjunction with Announcement of Report Regarding the Pennsylvania State University '' ( Press release ). Kekst and Company. July 12, 2012. Archived from the original on July 13, 2012. Although concern to treat the child abuser humanely was expressly stated, no such sentiments were ever expressed by them for Sandusky 's victims. Jump up ^ `` Sandusky prosecutor : Paterno not part of cover - up ''. Philly.com. Jump up ^ Prisbell, Eric ( July 22, 2012 ). `` NCAA hands out severe punishment for Penn State ''. USA Today. Jump up ^ aassimon ( 2013 - 09 - 24 ). `` Executive Committee to gradually restore Penn State scholarships ''. NCAA.org - The Official Site of the NCAA. Retrieved 2018 - 06 - 13. Jump up ^ Dawson, Mike ( September 24, 2013 ). `` NCAA modifies sanctions against Penn State, restoring scholarships ; may consider lifting bowl ban ''. Center Daily Times. Jump up ^ `` NCAA drops postseason ban of Penn State Nittany Lions ''. ESPN. Jump up ^ Berger, Zach ( January 16, 2015 ). `` Corman Settlement : Paterno 's Wins Restored and Consent Decree Replaced ''. Onward State. Retrieved November 1, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Joe Paterno is now winningest coach ''. ESPN. January 16, 2015. Retrieved November 1, 2015. Jump up ^ `` Penn State vs Pittsburgh ( PA ) ''. College Football Data Warehouse. Archived from the original on January 24, 2009. Retrieved October 21, 2008. Jump up ^ Penn State Football Coaches, gopsusports.com, retrieved March 22, 2018. Jump up ^ `` Penn State to Retire Cappelletti 's No. 22 Jersey ''. Retrieved 2018 - 06 - 13. Jump up ^ `` Heisman Winners ''. Heisman Trophy. HeismanTrophy.com. Archived from the original on August 1, 2014. Retrieved April 10, 2013. Jump up ^ `` Maxwell Award Winners ''. College Football at Sports-Reference.com. USA Today Sports. Retrieved April 10, 2013. Jump up ^ `` Walter Camp Player of the YearAward Winners ''. College Football at Sports-Reference.com. USA Today Sports. Retrieved April 10, 2013. Jump up ^ `` Sammy Baugh Trophy Award Winners ''. College Football at Sports-Reference.com. USA Today Sports. Retrieved April 10, 2013. Jump up ^ `` Chuck Bednarik Award Winners ''. College Football at Sports-Reference.com. USA Today Sports. Retrieved April 10, 2013. Jump up ^ `` Fred Biletnikoff Award Winners ''. College Football at Sports-Reference.com. USA Today Sports. Retrieved April 10, 2013. Jump up ^ `` Dick Butukus Award Winners ''. College Football at Sports-Reference.com. USA Today Sports. Retrieved April 10, 2013. Jump up ^ `` Dave Rimington Trophy Winners ''. College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved April 10, 2013. Jump up ^ `` Vince Lombardi Award Winners ''. College Football at Sports-Reference.com. USA Today Sports. Retrieved April 10, 2013. Jump up ^ `` Ted Hendricks Award Winners ''. College Football at Sports-Reference.com. USA Today Sports. Retrieved April 10, 2013. Jump up ^ `` Davey O'Brien Award Winners ''. College Football at Sports-Reference.com. USA Today Sports. Retrieved April 10, 2013. Jump up ^ `` John Outland Trophy Winners ''. College Football at Sports-Reference.com. USA Today Sports. Retrieved April 10, 2013. Jump up ^ `` Doak Walker Award Winners ''. College Football at Sports-Reference.com. USA Today Sports. Retrieved April 10, 2013. Jump up ^ `` Chicago Tribune 's Silver Football history ''. The Chicago Tribune. November 30, 2012. Retrieved April 10, 2013. Jump up ^ `` Hall of Famers by College ''. Pro Football Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on October 21, 2007. Retrieved November 5, 2007. Jump up ^ `` Hall of Famers by College ''. College Football Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on November 21, 2007. Retrieved November 5, 2007. Jump up ^ `` Penn State Nittany Lions Football Schedules and Future Schedules ''. fbschedules.com. Retrieved September 4, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Penn State Uplifting Athletes ''. Scott Shirley, Uplifting Athletes. Archived from the original on August 21, 2008. Retrieved June 16, 2008. External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to Penn State Nittany Lions football. Official website Penn State Nittany Lions football Venues Old Main lawn ( until 1891 ) Beaver Field ( 1892 -- 1908 ) New Beaver Field ( 1909 -- 1959 ) Beaver Stadium ( 1960 -- present ) Bowls & rivalries Bowl games Alabama Maryland Michigan State Minnesota Ohio State Pittsburgh Syracuse Temple West Virginia Culture & lore Nittany Lion `` Fight On, State '' Penn State Blue Band Uplifting Athletes Joe Paterno statue Something for Joey 1982 Nebraska game People Head coaches All - Americans Statistical leaders NFL draftees Seasons 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1984 1985 1986 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 National championship seasons in bold Links to related articles The Pennsylvania State University Located in : State College, Pennsylvania Academics College of Agricultural Sciences College of Arts and Architecture Smeal College of Business College of Communications College of Earth and Mineral Sciences College of Education College of Engineering College of Health and Human Development College of Information Sciences and Technology College of the Liberal Arts Eberly College of Science Graduate School Schreyer Honors College School of Nursing School of International Affairs Dickinson Law Penn State Law Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies College of Medicine Pennsylvania College of Technology School of Hospitality Management Athletics Sports Penn State Nittany Lions Baseball Men 's Basketball Women 's Basketball Field Hockey Football Men 's Ice Hockey Women 's Ice Hockey Men 's Lacrosse Women 's Lacrosse Men 's Soccer Women 's Soccer Men 's Volleyball Women 's Volleyball Wrestling Facilities Beaver Stadium Bryce Jordan Center Golf Courses Pegula Ice Arena Penn State Ice Pavilion Medlar Field at Lubrano Park Rec Hall Rivalries Alabama Maryland Michigan State Minnesota Ohio State Pittsburgh Syracuse West Virginia Spirit Legion Of Blue Alma Mater Blue Band Fight On, State Nittany Lion ( mascot ) The Nittany Lion Buildings Academic buildings Berkey Creamery Old Main Palmer Museum of Art IST Building Radiation Science & Engineering Center Residence halls University libraries Campuses : Commonwealth Abington Altoona Berks Beaver Brandywine DuBois Erie ( Behrend College ) Fayette ( Eberly Campus ) Greater Allegheny Harrisburg ( Capital College ) Hazleton Lehigh Valley Mont Alto New Kensington Schuylkill Shenango University Park ( Main campus ) Wilkes - Barre Worthington Scranton York Campuses : Special Mission Dickinson Law Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and College of Medicine Penn State Law World Campus Pennsylvania College of Technology Departments Cancer Institute Harold and Inge Marcus Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Research Applied Research Laboratory Garfield Thomas Water Tunnel Penn State Lunar Lion Team Media The Daily Collegian Penn State Law Review Penn State University Press WKPS ( 90.7 FM ) WPSU ( 91.5 FM ) WPSU - TV Onward State People Alumni Athletic directors Coaches Faculty Olympians Presidents George W. Atherton Eric J. Barron ( current president ) Joe Paterno Fred Lewis Pattee Jerry Sandusky Graham Spanier Student life Army ROTC Air Force ROTC Penn State IFC / Panhellenic Dance Marathon ( THON ) Penn State Thespians Penn State Women 's Ice Hockey Club Penn State Glee Club Mount Nittany Nittany Lion Shrine Old Coaly State College Related History Joe Paterno statue Nittany Lion Shrine Child sex abuse scandal Death of Tim Piazza Penn State child sex abuse scandal Key figures Jerry Sandusky Mark Emmert Mike McQueary Graham Spanier Joe Paterno Tim Curley Gary Schultz Law enforcement / investigation Ray Gricar Tom Corbett Linda L. Kelly Louis Freeh Organizations The Second Mile Pennsylvania State University Penn State Nittany Lions football Joe Paterno statue Media The Patriot - News / Sara Ganim Touched : The Jerry Sandusky Story Game Over Paterno ( book ) ( Joe Posnanski ) Paterno ( film ) Silent No More Happy Valley Big Ten Conference football East Division Indiana Hoosiers Maryland Terrapins Michigan Wolverines Michigan State Spartans Ohio State Buckeyes Penn State Nittany Lions Rutgers Scarlet Knights West Division Illinois Fighting Illini Iowa Hawkeyes Minnesota Golden Gophers Nebraska Cornhuskers Northwestern Wildcats Purdue Boilermakers Wisconsin Badgers Championships & awards Conference champions All - time standings ( 1896 -- 1958 ), ( 1959 -- present ) Championship Game Individual awards Chicago Tribune Silver Football Seasons 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1984 1985 1986 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Penn_State_Nittany_Lions_football&oldid=850090284 '' Categories : Penn State Nittany Lions football Sports clubs established in 1887 1887 establishments in Pennsylvania Hidden categories : Use mdy dates from February 2018 Wikipedia articles needing page number citations from November 2015 All pages needing factual verification Wikipedia articles needing factual verification from November 2015 All articles with unsourced statements Articles with unsourced statements from February 2018 Articles that may be too long from February 2018 Articles using small message boxes All articles with vague or ambiguous time Vague or ambiguous time from December 2015 Talk Contents About Wikipedia Italiano Edit links This page was last edited on 13 July 2018, at 14 : 50 ( UTC ). Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution - ShareAlike License ; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia ® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization. About Wikipedia

Question: who is the football coach at penn state
Answer: James Franklin