clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Penn State Coach Search: 49ers Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman Considered Candidate

Greg Roman has helped turn the 49ers into a power-running, opportunistic offense in his one year with the team.

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 6: Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers heads off the field after the game against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on November 6, 2011 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 6: Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers heads off the field after the game against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on November 6, 2011 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
Getty Images

According to a tweet by the Big Ten Network's Tom Dienhart, after already speaking with Penn State a month ago, 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman is a candidate for the head coaching position at Penn State vacated by Joe Paterno. He interviewed for the position during the first meeting and is still in the running.

The Niners offense is currently 8th in the NFL in rushing yards per game at 127.4 and 29th in passing at 183.5 but quarterback Alex Smith has been a different man this year. He has been put in the best position to perform due to the play-calling being suitable to his skill-set, resulting in 17 touchdown passes and only five interceptions.

Roman has only been with the Niners for a season after following Jim Harbaugh from Stanford. However, he's seen as a strong offensive mind and his adjustment from the college ranks to the pros has garnered enough respect to be worthy of an interview at a major college program. If hired, it would seem his background would work well in recruiting.