06-02-2025
Penn State adds FCS head coach to Jim Knowles' defensive staff
Penn State adds FCS head coach to Jim Knowles' defensive staff
On Tuesday, Penn State's new defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles, made his first public appearance as the Nittany Lions' DC. A few new additions to Knowles' defensive staff were announced the next day, notably a Penn State alum and current FCS head coach.
Greg Gattuso, who led Albany for the past 11 seasons, told reporters at a press conference Wednesday afternoon that he is leaving for Penn State as an analyst and defensive line consultant.
In his 11 years at Albany, Gattuso posted a 54-69 record while leading the program to FCS playoff appearances in 2019 and 2023. Albany's 2023 season was Gattuso's best year at the helm, as he led the Great Danes to an 11-4 record and a share of the CAA title. He was named CAA Coach of the Year and American Football Coaches Association FCS Coach of the Year.
Gattuso played for the Nittany Lions in the 1980s and was a letterman with the program on the defensive line. As a Pittsburgh native, he will return to familiar stomping grounds in Western Pennsylvania. Gattuso had a 12-year run as head coach Duquesne and spent time in various assistant roles at Pitt and Maryland.
Gattuso became the third hire under Jim Knowles after Georgetown secondary coach Shane Eachus and Ohio State quality control coach Brent Zdebski joined Knowles' staff as analysts.
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