Here's Jerry Palm's list and Chuck is on it...
I’m somewhat surprised the Boilermakers waited this long to pull the trigger, but they’ve officially moved on to a critical coaching search.
The next coach needs a plan.
It’s less important that Purdue looks for a particular archetype of coach and more important that the coach can sell the administration on the future of the program. Because of this, I think the Boilermakers will look for a younger coach who has succeeded in the new era of college football.
Here are five guys I think could be the next Purdue head coach.
Andy Kotelnicki (Penn State Offensive Coordinator)
Andy Kotelnicki can work wonders on offense. He’s done it at multiple stops, but this would be his most challenging coaching job ever, at least initially. Kotelnicki thrives by putting his best players in a position to make plays, often isolating defenders in unfavorable matchups.
If I were in charge at Purdue, I would have questions about his team-building approach, and he’d need to convince the administration that he can do more than simply coach an offense.
Conversely, Kotelnicki will likely have better offerings than Purdue in this coaching cycle and doesn’t need to rush into a job unless he sees an immediate path to success.
Chuck Martin (Miami-OH Head Coach)
I’m intrigued by the possibility of Chuck Martin as a head coach, but he and the Boilermakers would have to talk through some things first.
Martin just keeps winning with the Miami (OH) Redhawks
despite the existence of the transfer portal. The Redhawks were completely decimated by the portal this season and yet he has the Redhawks back in the MAC championship.
The reason the Redhawks have been ravaged in the portal is two-fold.
Martin and his staff have hit on dozens of evaluations and his players are moving up to higher levels. He’s not losing players to like programs. Secondly, the Redhawks have struggled with NIL infrastructure and funds.
If Purdue can convince Martin that his teams will be competitive in the NIL game, this could be a great fit.
Jon Sumrall (Tulane Head Coach)
The first-year head coach of the
Tulane Green Wave will be one of the hottest names in the coaching cycle this offseason. I’m not convinced he leaves for just any Power Four job, and Purdue likely can’t compete with some of the better openings this offseason, but the university should still call.
Jon Sumrall is one of the best defensive coaches and program-builders in college football, and he brings a toughness that I think would resonate with the Purdue fanbase. Still, it’s a massive pull for a school that isn’t in a position to make a splashy hire.
Tim Albin (Ohio Head Coach)
There are several excellent coaches in the MAC, but the conference has been a coaching graveyard regarding upward movement. Still, while Tim Albin wouldn’t be the flashiest hire, he’s an excellent football coach who knows how to do more with less.
He has the
Ohio Bobcats back in the MAC Football Championship Game, and his offensive coaching ability should excite Purdue fans. He’s probably not at the top of the list, but he’d be a strong candidate.
Mike Shanahan (Indiana Offensive Coordinator)
Purdue might be tempted to replicate the
Indiana Hoosiers’ model led by Curt Cignetti this season. And what better way to do that than with Cignetti’s right-hand man?
Mike Shanahan is young but brings a strong offensive background and the ability to succeed in the transfer portal. He’s a good coach and a better recruiter, but it’s probably too early for a head coaching job. Still, this is the type of risk that Purdue might take.
Would MS leave IU to take the PU job?
Other Candidates To Replace Walters
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