CBS News: Penn State President Announces Hiring of New Head Coach and New Players to the Team
April 4, 2025 – In a significant move to bolster the Penn State Nittany Lions’ football program, Penn State University President, Dr. Neeli Bendapudi, announced the hiring of a new head coach and the addition of several talented players to the team, signaling the start of an exciting new era for the university’s football program.
The announcement came during a press conference held at Beaver Stadium, where Dr. Bendapudi, alongside the new head coach, outlined their vision for the future of the team. The new head coach, David Simmons, a seasoned football strategist with years of experience in both collegiate and professional football, will take over the reins of the Nittany Lions. Simmons, who previously served as the head coach at a rival Big Ten school, brings a wealth of experience in leading high-performance teams and building strong player development systems.
Dr. Bendapudi expressed her excitement about the new direction the program is heading under Simmons’ leadership. “Coach Simmons is an exceptional leader with a proven track record of success at the highest levels of collegiate football,” she said. “His ability to inspire athletes, combined with his strategic understanding of the game, makes him the perfect fit for our program.”
Simmons, who was visibly elated during the announcement, thanked the Penn State community for the warm welcome. “I am beyond excited to lead such a storied and prestigious program. Penn State’s tradition of excellence in football is unmatched, and I am thrilled to help guide this team back to the top of college football,” Simmons stated. “Our focus will be on building a team that not only wins on the field but also excels in character, discipline, and community involvement.”
In addition to the hiring of Coach Simmons, the Penn State athletic department also revealed that a number of high-profile recruits have committed to the program, strengthening the team ahead of the upcoming season. The new players, including several five-star recruits, are expected to make an immediate impact on the field. The recruits come from across the country, with top prospects in key positions such as quarterback, wide receiver, and linebacker.
One of the standout players, linebacker Jake Thompson, who was ranked as the No. 1 high school prospect in the nation, expressed his excitement about joining the Nittany Lions. “I’ve always admired Penn State’s football legacy, and I’m excited to contribute to that tradition,” Thompson said. “With Coach Simmons leading us, I’m confident we’re going to achieve great things together.”
The recruiting class, which has been heralded as one of the best in the nation, also includes wide receiver Marcus Hayes, who is expected to bring much-needed depth and speed to the team’s offensive lineup. Hayes, known for his dynamic playmaking ability, has already made a name for himself in high school football, breaking multiple records in his senior season.
The infusion of new talent, coupled with the leadership of Coach Simmons, marks a new chapter in Penn State football. Fans have expressed hope that the team will return to national prominence in the near future. The program, which has a rich history of success, has experienced some ups and downs in recent years, but with these changes, optimism is at an all-time high.
As the Nittany Lions prepare for their upcoming spring practices, the excitement around the program continues to build. The university is hopeful that the hiring of Coach Simmons and the addition of these highly touted recruits will help Penn State reclaim its place among the elite teams in college football.
The future looks bright for Penn State football, and with the new leadership in place, all eyes will be on how the team performs in the coming seasons.