Drew Allar gives first impressions of new Penn State football OC Andy Kotelnicki

It’s been two weeks since James Franklin hired Andy Kotelnicki to be the new offensive coordinator of the Penn State football program. We’ve yet to hear from the new Nittany Lions play caller himself, as Kotelnicki won’t have his first press availability until the afternoon portion of Peach Bowl local media day today. But we did get to hear from Penn State QB Drew Allar, who opened up about Kotelnicki for the first time this morning.

Drew Allar gives first impressions of new Penn State offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki

Drew Allar had a largely successful first season as the starting QB for Penn State football. The sophomore touted a 23-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio while throwing for 2,336 yards and a 61% completion rate.

But less than stellar performances against Ohio State and Michigan overshadowed those numbers in the eyes of many. Allar finished completing less than 50% of his passes and failed to break the 200-yard mark in both of the Nittany Lions’ losses this year.

But hope springs eternal under new Penn State offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki. The former Kansas play caller, who 247Sports recently awarded its Offensive Coordinator of the Year honor, has been praised for his ingenuity and innovation.

While the Penn State football players have had an opportunity to get away from Lasch Building in recent weeks, Drew Allar shared his first impressions of Kotelnicki after meeting with his new offensive coordinator several times.

“I met with him a decent amount,” Allar said. “With the time I’ve been back, I’ve had a ton of meeting time with the offensive staff in general. I’m just really excited for the future. I think he brings an element to our offense where he’s just going to be able to relate to everybody. And I think he’s been doing that the last two weeks. [He’s been] setting up meetings just to get to know guys on more of a personal level, which I think is big for him.”

Penn State QB Drew Allar talks about NEW OC Andy Kotelnicki: pic.twitter.com/m90UcO8ZsO

— Mike Poorman (@PSUPoorman) December 15, 2023

What will Kotelnicki’s role be in Peach Bowl prep?

Penn State’s Peach Bowl matchup is significant in more ways than one. The Nittany Lions have the chance to cap off another 11-win season and be the first college football program to win all of the New Year’s Six Bowl games. But the month of bowl prep also gives Andy Kotelnicki an opportunity to get familiar with his new offense.

James Franklin highlighted why the month of December is a “valuable time” for Kotelnicki in his Peach Bowl selection press conference.

“Him developing relationships and him being able to get a feel for our players, our strengths, our weaknesses [is important],” Franklin said. “Get a feel for our staff, strengths, and weaknesses, and for him to see how we operate, how we’re organized, what the culture is like, and build as many relationships with the players as possible, including the quarterbacks. I think it’s really important.”

Penn State football takes on the Ole Miss Rebels in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on December 30 at noon.

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