Nittany Lions legend earns new title on Penn State football staff

Dan Connor once carried the legacy of Linebacker U on his shoulders each weekend on the gridiron. Now, the Penn State football icon will officially lead the group, taking over the title of linebackers coach this week.

An update to the Penn State athletics staff directory revealed Connor’s new title on Tuesday. In terms of function, the elevation is a change in name only. Connor has been coaching the linebackers since the NCAA loosened the restrictions on analysts last summer. When defensive coordinator Tom Allen moved to the coaches’ booth last September, Connor assumed communications duties on the Nittany Lions sideline.

“I think Dan has got a very, very bright future,” James Franklin said then. “You know, Dan is a unique guy. He really is. He doesn’t say a whole lot, but when he speaks, everybody listens. He’s got great perspective on college football, great perspective on the state of Pennsylvania, he’s got great perspective on the NFL and what it takes to be successful at that level.

“Obviously, he’s got unique Penn State experience. So he’s been a really good hire and extremely valuable. And you’re talking about a guy that’s been a defensive coordinator in college before, and there is value in that, I think.”

© Matthew Emmons-Imagn Images

A two-time All-American, Connor is still the program’s all-time leader in tackles, the only player in Penn State football history with over 400 in their career. Prior to returning to Happy Valley in 2022, Connor spent three seasons as the defensive coordinator at Widener.

Connor was one of sixteen Penn State football lettermen within the Nittany Lions program in 2024. That number continues to grow in 2025, as James Franklin has added Greg Gattuso and Trace McSorley to the staff in recent weeks.

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