Penn State OC Andy Kotelnicki Takes Name Out of Running for WVU Head Coach Position

Just days after it appeared as if Penn State offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki was emerging as the leading candidate to be WVU’s next head coach, he’s out of the running all together.

“Beyond lucky to be a part of the Penn State Football Family. Still a lot to accomplish this season and I am looking forward to what 2025 has in store for our program!,” Kotelnicki posted on social media.

In addition to that, WVSN can share that we heard from a source earlier in the day that “a major sticking point” for Kotelnicki was not wanting to leave Penn State before the true end of their season, so not until they were eliminated in the College Football Playoff or crowned national champions.

A national title game appearance would’ve pushed things all the way to ens of January and create a significant disadvantage for West Virginia in trying to retool their roster, most notably through the transfer portal.

And obviously, even a first round exit would still delay West Virginia’s search well over another week. A separate source said that they believed Kotelnicki was simply using the CFP as a way to play hardball.

Kotelnicki, 43, will coach in the Big Ten Championship Game later tonight, and helping the Nittany Lions win their first conference title since 2016 which would be quite an accolade to have for his first season in Happy Valley.

Penn State is 11-1, and the offense, for the most part, has performed well, averaging 33.3 points per game. Under Kotelnicki’s watch, Penn State’s offense has become known for its excitement, something most feel the unit lacked from 2021-23 under Mike Yurcich.

Kotelnicki is familiar with the Big 12 based on his experience at Kansas, where he led the Jayhawk offense for three seasons. However, he would be a different type of choice for Baker since he does not have head coach experience.

WV Sports Now’s partner site Nittany Sports Now helped with reporting for this story.