Top 2026 QB credits key Penn State football staffer in budding relationship

It’s possible the most important staff move of the offseason for Penn State football wasn’t adding OC Andy Kotelnicki or DC Tom Allen. Both coaches will play a major role in the success on the field in 2o24 and beyond. But quite honestly, Danny O’Brien being promoted as the Nittany Lions‘ quarterbacks coach was a quiet move that will have a long-term impact on the program moving forward. It’s clear he has a strong relationship with current QBs Drew Allar and Beau Pribula; however, it’s the impact he is having on 2026 recruiting class member Dia Bell that could set Penn State up for its future.

2026 QB credits this Penn State staffer for building relationships

Danny O’Brien was a graduate assistant last season for the Penn State football team. He spent most of his time on the sidelines during the games while ex-offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich was in the booth calling the plays. This led O’Brien to be in the trenches with Drew Allar and Beau Pribula as they worked through issues in real-time.

O’Brien was promoted to the Nittany Lions’ quarterbacks coach on February 21st, 2024 and it was a well-deserved move. Now, his impact is affecting the recruiting trail. Dia Bell, the No. 2 QB in the 2026 recruiting class and son of NBA veteran Raja Bell, has recently discussed how O’Brien has impacted his recruitment early on. According to Greg Pickel of Blue White Illustrated, Dia Bell recently commented on Danny O’Brien’s role in his recruiting effort.

Bell said, “He has a background of playing football at a high level, so he’s able to connect with his guys a lot better because he’s younger and he sees what they’re going through. He’s great with relationships, and that’s something he’s been big on with me.”

Danny O’Brien will likely have a much larger impact on the Nittany Lions and their pursuit of Matt Zollers. As well as which quarterback they want to take in the 2026 recruiting class.

Drew Allar on Danny O’Brien’s role in his development

Reading the comments from Dia Bell confirms one thing, Danny O’Brien is one of the most relatable coaches on the Penn State football staff. While he was in his offensive graduate assistant role last season Drew Allar was asked about O’Brien’s impact on his development.

Allar stated, “Yeah, he’s been a huge part of my development. Just because with his new role he’s able to be more hands-on with us. As opposed to last year where he wasn’t really able to coach us just because of all the technicalities with the rules. …And I mean I think he just sees it from both perspectives. Both as a coach and as a player.

Obviously, he started under Coach Franklin when they were at Maryland together and they had a couple of good years at Maryland. And then, he played in the CFL for seven, eight years. …He’s helped me out a ton with just you know making things simplified, identifying defenses, and just really peeling it back to the next level. And making sure that I have a reason for doing everything. ”

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