Meyer man for the job
The Morning Call
In the scandal's aftermath, a fresh start is needed. That means no one on the current staff should be considered, although how well Tom Bradley does in the interim could make him difficult to overlook or at least get him a top gig elsewhere.
Of the other Penn Staters who are head coaches, Al Golden is the most attractive. But this would still seem to be about one man, Urban Meyer. No one not currently on a college sideline possesses the pedigree of Meyer.
Meyer has the experience, strength and arrogance to wade into this rubble without flinching. He also will bring a much-needed spark to a program still in the dark ages when it comes to offense.
Plus, bringing him to Happy Valley would keep him away from the Buckeyes.
Someone with no ties
Chris Dufresne
Los Angeles Times
Longtime assistant coach Tom Bradley will be Penn State's football coach Saturday against Nebraska, but what about the long term? It's probably too raw to even go there, but it's probably safe to say the program is going to have to start over.
It's difficult to imagine a promotion from within Paterno's staff or even hiring outsiders with ties to Penn State such as Rutgers' Greg Schiano and Miami's Al Golden. Former Florida coach Urban Meyer seems to be he most logical choice, but why would he now want to take over this mess?
Meyer, from Ohio, might even think Ohio State is a good situation. The best bet is finding an up-and-comer with energy and patience who can build his resume on making the best out of a horrible situation. No one knew who Meyer was when he was at Bowling Green.
Dungy worth a shot
Matt Murschel
Orlando Sentinel
The sexual abuse scandal that has rocked the university and caused a divide between students and administration will hang around for quite some time before the healing begins. Finding someone to help facilitate the healing process while helping to rebuild the trust that has eroded away will be key.
The person in my mind that best fits that description is former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy. Dungy has ties to the Big Ten, having played for Minnesota in the 1970s and he started his professional career in Pittsburgh. While his college experience is limited — he spent one season as an assistant at Minnesota — Dungy is a soft-spoken leader who puts a strong emphasis on faith and family. His presence could be just what the school and the program needs.
Top guy won't get it
Teddy Greenstein
Chicago Tribune
The best guy for the job probably won't get the job. Al Golden is a shirt-and-tie wearing program-builder/miracle worker (Temple) who, as a Penn State tight end in 1991, won an award for excellence in scholarship, sportsmanship and leadership.
But the Miami coach has a flaw on his resume: He was Penn State's linebackers coach in 2000.
Jerry Sandusky's alleged reign of terror began in the mid-'90s, so even though Golden has no culpability, he won't escape the association.
Best choice would be either Mississippi State's Dan Mullen, a Pennsylvania native or Rutgers coach Greg Schiano, who runs a clean program that consistently produces the highest APRs among state universities.