Former Penn State QB Trace McSorley Joins Nittany Lion Coaching Staff

Penn State has added one of its all-time greats to its coaching staff. Trace McSorley, who is No. 2 among Nittany Lion quarterbacks all time for career wins, completions, passing yards and passing touchdowns, has been hired as assistant quarterbacks coach, the program announced on Tuesday.

McSorley now reunites with his college coach, James Franklin, with whom he won a Big Ten Championship and Fiesta Bowl in 2016 and 2017. McSorley’s coaching career begins after a six-year run in the NFL, where he spent most of his time as a backup on the Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals.

After his time in Arizona, McSorley bounced around in brief stints with the New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Commanders. He threw for 502 yards and one touchdown across nine NFL game appearances and one start.

McSorley was present, at times, during Penn State practices this past season. He was typically seen working beside quarterbacks coach Danny O’Brien as he worked with his group of signal callers. McSorley will now have another opportunity to work directly with starting quarterback Drew Allar in his final season of collegiate eligibility.

McSorley becomes the 11th letterman to join the Nittany Lions’ coaching staff, a list that includes Terry Smith, Deion Barnes, Ty Howle, Torrence Brown, Jordan Lucas, Dan Connor, Greg Gattuso, Jordan Hill, Alan Zemaitis and Wally Richardson.