Poz Returns to Happy Valley: Penn State Reunites with NFL Star Paul Posluszny as Linebackers Coach to Rekindle ‘Linebacker U’ Legacy
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — One of Penn State’s most beloved legends is coming home. Former All-American linebacker and NFL standout Paul Posluszny is returning to Happy Valley—this time on the sidelines—as the new linebackers coach for the Nittany Lions. The hire signals a powerful commitment to restoring the proud “Linebacker U” tradition that helped define Penn State football for decades.
Posluszny, a two-time Bednarik Award winner and captain of the 2005 Orange Bowl team, was known for his unmatched work ethic, leadership, and football IQ. After a decorated college career, he spent 11 seasons in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars, earning a Pro Bowl nod and respect across the league for his toughness and professionalism.
“This is more than a coaching job,” Posluszny said in a statement. “This is a chance to give back to the place that shaped me, and to help build the next generation of great Penn State linebackers.”
Head Coach James Franklin praised the hire, calling Posluszny “the embodiment of what it means to wear the blue and white.”
With Penn State’s defense poised for another strong season, Posluszny’s arrival brings both strategic value and emotional firepower. His deep ties to the program, combined with his NFL pedigree, are expected to resonate with recruits and current players alike.
Fans are already buzzing with excitement, hoping Poz can help rekindle the dominant linebacker play that once made Penn State a defensive powerhouse. From Jack Ham to LaVar Arrington to Sean Lee, and now back to Posluszny, the legacy of “Linebacker U” lives on—with its heart beating again in Happy Valley.
