Penn State football is losing a key off-field player to Alabama

Penn State football has lost a key person off the field Alabama. Ken Whisenhunt, who spent several years in State College as an analyst after a long NFL coaching career, is now listed in the Crimson Tide athletic department directory as a special assistant to the head coach.

The head coach is, of course, Nick Saban.

Whisenhunts’ role in State College was never publicly defined, but he was clearly a sounding board for Penn State head coach James Franklin. And he was often seen at or near the Lions leader on game day, especially last season.

A native of Augusta, Ga., Whisenhunt began his coaching career in 1995 at Vanderbilt. He served as the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator from 2004 to 2006 and called the Chargers to play in two different stints. Now 60 years old, he also managed two professional teams as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals (2007-2012) and the Tennessee Titans (2014-2015).

Family connections likely drew Whisenhunt to Tuscaloosa

Whisenhunt gets to coach alongside a family member at Alabama. His son-in-law, Ex LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger, is the Crimson Tide’s staff offensive analyst. It’s clear that being close to his daughter and son-in-law was a big draw in deciding to leave Penn State.

Penn State’s personnel changes in the offseason

Penn State has now lost two analysts to different jobs this offseason. In addition to Whisenhunt, Charlie Frye took over as offensive coordinator Florida Atlantic.

However, the Lions have made additions. Letterman Calvin Lowry is back as analytics coordinator. Alumnus Deion Barnes is also in that room now, having maxed out his time as a graduate assistant in the program. A job listing on Penn State’s website suggests the program is preparing to hire another analyst to focus on special teams. Whether this was a new position or just one to fill the void left by Whisenhunt was not immediately clear.

Penn State has added to its recruiting department this offseason as well. DJ Bryant has joined the program as the staff recruitment coordinator after several years of working there Colorado. Khalil Ahmad is also a newcomer. He joins the Franklins staff after working Syracuse. The former is known for its strong DMV connections and the latter for its ties in New Jersey.

Last but not least, the pitching staff will also be different in 2023. Franklin relieved Taylor Stubblefield in January and then hired a long Virginia assistant Marques Hagans as his new receivers coach.