Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1537537
3 0 A U G U S T 2 0 2 5 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M / / / / / / / 2 0 2 5 F O O T B A L L P R E V I E W / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / A ndy Kotelnicki knows enough to know he shouldn't get into it. Asked recently about last year's brief flirtation with a power conference head coaching opportunity, he saw only pitfalls in answering. After all, setting the record straight doesn't always pay off when fans and their loyalties are involved. And in the case of once-bitter rivals West Virginia and Penn State, that sentiment rings especially true. "I don't like answering these ques- tions," he said. "I'm either a liar by saying I never talked to them, or I'm ungrateful for where I'm at and looking for the next best thing, where the grass is greener." Last December, Kotelnicki was reported to be among a final group of candidates for the then-vacant head coaching posi- tion at West Virginia. For a brief moment, there was some concern that the Nit- tany Lions would soon find themselves in search of a new offensive coordinator. But by the evening of Dec. 9 — two days after the Lions dropped a 45-37 decision to Oregon in the Big Ten Championship Game — Kotelnicki made it clear via social media where he stood. "Beyond lucky to be a part of the Penn State Football Family," he wrote. "Still a lot to accomplish this season, and I am looking forward to what 2025 has in store for our program!" That other schools were pursuing Ko- telnicki was hardly surprising. Brought in from Kansas after the 2023 season, he oversaw an offensive revival in his first campaign with the Lions. He unlocked improved play from quarterback Drew Al- lar, compensated for receiver deficiencies RIGHT PLACE RIGHT PLACE RIGHT TIME RIGHT TIME Andy Kotelnicki finds fulfillment as the orchestrator of a potent PSU offense NAT E BAU E R | N AT E . B A U E R @ O N 3 . C O M During Kotelnicki's first season at Penn State, the offense improved by 30.4 yards per game over the 2023 campaign. PHOTO BY MARK SELDERS/PENN STATE ATHLETICS ,