Penn State Poised to Bring in Stan Drayton as Running Backs Coach
Penn State is on the verge of adding former Temple head coach Stan Drayton to its coaching staff as the next running backs coach, according to multiple sources cited by On 3. Drayton, widely respected in college football circles for his expertise in developing elite running backs, brings a wealth of experience to the Nittany Lions.
Drayton’s Path to Penn State
Drayton’s coaching career took a turn in November when Temple parted ways with him during his third season leading the program. His tenure with the Owls may have been cut short, but his reputation as a premier running backs coach remained intact. The opportunity at Penn State arose after former running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider accepted a position with Notre Dame last weekend, creating a vacancy that the Nittany Lions sought to fill with a coach of Drayton’s caliber.
While Oklahoma’s running backs coach, DeMarco Murray, was also considered for the position, he ultimately decided to remain with his alma mater. This left Drayton as the prime candidate, and he will now step into a role where he will oversee one of the most talented backfields in college football.
Taking Over a Dynamic Running Back Room
Drayton will inherit a running backs unit led by Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, a duo that amassed an impressive 2,207 rushing yards during the 2024 season. Both players are set to return in 2025, giving Penn State a formidable ground attack heading into the upcoming season. Drayton’s track record of player development suggests that he will play a key role in further enhancing their production and preparing them for potential NFL futures.
Beyond solidifying the running backs room, Penn State has made other significant coaching moves, including the hiring of former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. With these additions, the Nittany Lions are widely regarded as a preseason top-10 contender for the 2025 season, positioning themselves for a potential championship run.
A Proven Track Record of Success
Before his time at Temple, Drayton built an impressive résumé as a running backs coach and recruiter. From 2017 to 2021, he served as associate head coach and run game coordinator at Texas, working under both Tom Herman and Steve Sarkisian. During that span, he was instrumental in the development of standout running backs such as Bijan Robinson, Roschon Johnson, and Keaontay Ingram.
Drayton’s success extends beyond Texas. He previously played a key role in Ohio State’s historic 2014 season, where he helped guide the Buckeyes to the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship. Additionally, he contributed to Florida’s national title run between 2005 and 2007, further cementing his reputation as a coach who excels at both player development and recruiting.
His ability to identify and recruit top-tier talent is well-documented. He was responsible for bringing Bijan Robinson to Texas and played a crucial role in securing Cam Newton’s commitment to Florida during his recruiting process.
James Franklin’s Vision for the Hire
Penn State head coach James Franklin emphasized the importance of hiring an experienced coach who can deliver immediate results. Speaking at a recent press conference about the search for a new running backs coach, Franklin stressed the need to find a candidate who is both a proven recruiter and a skilled developer of talent.
“We have to go out and get the best possible candidate,” Franklin stated. “It’s not just about hiring a young coach on an upward trajectory; it’s about making sure we get a return on our investment right away. We can’t afford to bring in someone who will take a year or two to develop—we need someone who can contribute immediately.”
With Drayton’s wealth of experience, recruiting prowess, and championship pedigree, Penn State is making a strategic move to strengthen its coaching staff as it eyes a potential playoff run in 2025. His hiring is expected to bring both immediate impact and long-term benefits to the Nittany Lions’ offense.
