Penn State football announced Matt Campbell as its 17th coach in program history on Monday afternoon.
Just under 24 hours before reports indicated that Campbell was the man for the job, audio leaked of a meeting held by AD Pat Kraft and various veteran members of the team.
Leaked Audio of Pat Kraft Talking With Penn State Players Surfaces
In the audio, Kraft pumped up Penn State’s hiring process and the student athletes in the program, but took shots at Oregon and Michigan. At one point, Kraft said that Wolverines “cheated their balls off” and said the sign-stealing scandal was true.
While the leaked audio fired up some parts of the fanbase but frustrated others, Kraft apologized for his actions.
“I’m very passionate and I’m transparent with my kids and student-athletes,” Kraft said. “What I will tell you about that, is that I’m embarrassed. I apologize to anyone that I may have offended with that video that leaked.”
Friday ended a 54-day search for Penn State’s next head coach, replacing James Franklin after he was fired Oct. 12. Interim head coach Terry Smith is staying on Campbell’s staff as a top assistant.
A fiery and energetic athletic director, Kraft said 9-10 football players were in the meeting and the moment got the best of him.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.“Personally, it’s been challenging for me, but I am very passionate about Penn State,” Kraft said. “It was nine or 10 football players that asked to sit down as we had an open and honest discussion.
“But I feel short of the standard that I should represent for all those people, all my staff that sits up there (signaling to staffers in the press room). All the 833 athletes that I represent. I can’t apologize enough for those who I may have offended. I got to get better.”
“Every one of my athletes know they can call me at any point in time and I have open and honest discussions whenever they want,” Kraft said.
Kraft said the repercussions will be handled in house and he is excited for the next chapter of Penn State football.
The focus and attention has shifted to Campbell and building the program to be a championship-caliber team once again.
“We’re moving on, we’re handling it in the family,” Kraft said. “I’m proud of our guys and I’m excited for them moving forward.”
Penn State puts a bow on its 2025 season in the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl against Clemson at Yankee Stadium Dec. 27.
