As new Penn State head coach Bill O'Brien's self-imposed Wednesday deadline to complete his staff draws near, players confirmed after their meeting with O'Brien Sunday evening that linebacker coach Ron Vanderlinden will remain on the coaching staff.

"I'm excited that he's staying," linebacker Mike Mauti said. "He's a great coach, and I'm glad he'll be here with Coach O'Brien."

Vanderlinden, who has coached at Penn State since 2001, is the second member of the current staff O'Brien has retained since his official introduction Saturday. The first was defensive-line specialist and leading recruiter Larry Johnson Sr.

"I'm glad both Coach Johnson and Coach Vanderlinden are going to be here," defensive tackle Jordan Hill said. "They've been a huge part of the success that we've had on defense."

For Penn State, keeping Vanderlinden and Johnson on the staff not only maintains the strong tradition of dominant defense, as both coaches have had major roles in building that defense; it also keeps two more well-loved staff members in Happy Valley. As O'Brien continues to work his way into some fans' good graces, keeping Vanderlinden and Johnson is a smart move both on and off the field. 

However, as O'Brien continues to build his staff more, familiar Penn State names will begin to look elsewhere for jobs. Defensive-back coach Kermit Buggs announced Monday via Twitter that he has been let go and will not return to Penn State.

"Just got the call this morning I'm not being retained," Buggs wrote. "Penn State has done a lot for me and I appreciate all the love and support given to me in the eight years at Penn State. I thank Coach O'Brien for giving me an interview and wish him the best of luck. To my players, thank you, and make plays."

Additionally, offensive-tackles and tight-end coach Bill Kenney will not be retained on O'Brien's staff, according to Penn State commit Jake Kiley, who tweeted out the news late Sunday night.

"I'm a little upset coach Kenney isn't remaining on the staff," Kiley wrote. "One of the most well spoken men I've ever met."

O'Brien has since returned to New England to prepare for the Patriots game against the Denver Broncos in the second round of the NFL playoffs. Moving forward, Johnson will lead the Nittany Lions' recruiting efforts, including important visits from recruits this weekend.

Related coverage

• Penn State Football: John Strollo Reportedly Joining O'Brien's Staff to Coach Offensive Line (Jan. 9, 2012)

• Penn State Football: Charles London Agrees to Become Running Backs Coach as O'Brien Starts Constructing Staff (Jan. 8, 2012)