Penn State has fired its football offensive coordinator and tight end coach, John Donovan, effective immediately. Donovan was hired in 2014 and has been under fire in recent days for the offensive line’s lack of development over the last two years.
“I have tremendous respect for John and the work he has put in over the last five years. I wish him and his family nothing but the best,” said head coach James Franklin in a press statement that was released on Sunday.
Franklin and Donovan have worked together for the last five years, two at Penn State and three at Vanderbilt. However, both have been much maligned by the media and fans alike in the past few months for the offensive line’s stunted growth. Many have criticized Donovan particularly for not using quarterback Christian Hackenberg, a four-star high school recruit, and have said that Donovan’s poor play-calling hurt Hackenberg’s ability and led to the quarterback’s record number of sacks.
Many sportswriters believe that Hackenberg will go to the NFL next year.
Originally reported by ESPN’s Brett McMurphy, Penn State will now begin a nationwide search for a new offensive coordinator. Fans are speculating that more coaching changes will happen in the coming months, a result of intense pressure on Franklin to improve the team. Since being hired in 2014, Franklin has gone 14-11 in two seasons.
Penn State OC & TE coach John Donovan has been relieved of his duties
— Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyESPN) November 29, 2015
It is unknown who will step into the offensive coordinator role for Penn State during its bowl game.
Penn State is currently ranked 82nd in passing yards, 107th in rushing yards and 104th in points per game out of 127 FBS schools.
This tweet from Onward State contains the full press release.
Here’s the full release from Penn State. John Donovan has been relieved of his duties. pic.twitter.com/nZ8BdOfv1E
— Onward State (@OnwardState) November 29, 2015
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