Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1512721
Former Kansas offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki arrives at Penn State with plans to help the Nittany Lions reach their full potential A NEW A NEW DIRECTION DIRECTION W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M 2 0 J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 4 T hree weeks after deciding that a change in leadership was needed, Penn State found its new offen- sive coordinator. Andy Kotelnicki, whose astute play- calling helped transform Kansas from a perennial afterthought in the Big 12 into a bowl-worthy team, will take charge of a Nittany Lion offense that displayed considerable scoring prowess during the 2023 regular season but came up short in the team's biggest games. "Our search process for an offen- sive coordinator was extensive, and throughout it, Andy's name kept ris- ing to the top of the list," coach James Franklin said in a statement announcing the hire. "Not only were we impressed with Andy's history of successful of- fensive production, but he has a proven ability to win at all levels and play to the strength of his personnel. "In his 18 years as a play-caller, he has a track record of coming into a program and improving offenses, especially through explosive plays, third-down conversions and red zone success." Calling it an "incredible opportu- nity," Kotelnicki said he was eager to get started in State College. "It is a tremendous honor for me and my wife, Lindsey, to become part of a program with such a rich history of success and a tremendous family envi- ronment with an elite leader in Coach Franklin," he said. "I am excited to get to work with the tremendous staff and student-athletes we have at Penn State." G R E G P I C K E L | G R E G . P I C K E L @ O N 3 . C O M