BREAKING NEWS: Greg Gattuso, Former UAlbany Head Coach and Penn State Alumnus, Appointed as Defensive Line Consultant
In a significant move to bolster its defensive coaching staff, Penn State Football has announced the hiring of Greg Gattuso, former head coach at the University at Albany, as a defensive line consultant. The Nittany Lions bring Gattuso back to Happy Valley, where he once played and coached, marking a full-circle moment for the seasoned football veteran.
Gattuso, who served as UAlbany’s head coach from 2014 to 2023, brings more than three decades of coaching experience to the table. During his tenure with the Great Danes, he compiled a 48–60 record and led the program through several transitions, including their move into the competitive Colonial Athletic Association. Prior to UAlbany, he spent time as an assistant coach at Maryland and Pittsburgh, where he was well-regarded for his recruiting acumen and ability to develop talent in the trenches.
His return to Penn State is being widely celebrated among alumni and fans. A defensive lineman for the Nittany Lions in the early 1980s under legendary coach Joe Paterno, Gattuso was a member of the 1982 national championship team. After graduation, he remained connected to the sport through years of coaching, and his deep ties to the program bring both experience and tradition to James Franklin’s staff.
“Bringing Greg back to Penn State is a home run for our program,” head coach James Franklin said in a statement released Monday morning. “His track record in developing defensive line talent, his knowledge of our culture, and his passion for Penn State Football make him a tremendous asset. He will play a vital role in helping us elevate our defense to championship levels.”
Gattuso is expected to work closely with defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who was hired earlier this year on a record-breaking $3.1 million annual contract. With Knowles leading the defense and Gattuso offering specialized input on the defensive front, Penn State is clearly investing heavily in fortifying its defense after a 10-win 2024 season that saw the Nittany Lions fall just short of a College Football Playoff berth.
“I’m honored and excited to be coming home to Penn State,” Gattuso said in a brief statement. “This university and this program have always meant a great deal to me. I look forward to contributing to the success of our defense and helping our players grow both on and off the field.”
Gattuso’s hiring comes amid a flurry of changes to the Nittany Lions’ coaching staff, including the additions of Stan Drayton as running backs coach and the high-profile acquisition of Knowles. The moves signal a clear intent by Franklin and Penn State’s administration to contend at the highest level in the newly expanded Big Ten and upcoming 12-team College Football Playoff format.
With spring practices wrapping up and summer camp on the horizon, Gattuso’s presence on the staff is expected to pay dividends immediately, particularly in mentoring a young but talented defensive line unit.
For Penn State, this hire is more than just a strategic addition—it’s a reunion with a lifelong Nittany Lion whose roots run deep in blue and white.