ALTOONA, Pa. -- When looking for a new tight ends coach Penn State didn't have to look to far as the Nittany Lions hired offensive analyst Ty Howle to the position Tuesday.
Howle takes over for Tyler Bowen who left Penn State to take a position on Urban Meyer's staff with the Jacksonville Jaguars. In addition to announcing the hiring of Howle, head coach James Franklin and Penn State announced wide receivers coach Taylor Stubblefield will add offensive recruiting coordinator to his role and Terry Smith as associate head coach.
"We are excited to have Ty represent his alma mater and serve as our tight ends coach," Franklin said in a statement. "I have known Ty since I first started at Penn State when he worked with our recruiting department. Since then, I followed his career and watched him grow into an impressive coach and leader of young men."
A former captain and letter winner at Penn State, Howle was a starting center for the Nittany Lions under head coach Bill O'Brien. As a member of the 2012 and 2013 teams, Howle was popular among fans for staying amidst the issues surrounding the program at the time as well as his role as a leader on the team.
"He wears his pride for this university on his chest each day," Franklin said. "His contributions as a member of the 2012 team and as a captain in 2013 will long be remembered."
Howle coached at Western Illinois where he began as the offensive line coach in 2016 before ultimately becoming the offensive coordinator in 2018. Under Howle's direction, the Leathernecks offense ranked 21st nationally in FCS in passing offense.
"I'm excited and honored to be the tight ends coach at my alma mater," Howle said. "I want to thank coach Franklin for giving me this opportunity to develop the tremendous young men in this program."
Under Bowen's tutelage and with his recruitment prowess, the tight ends were one of the strongest position groups on the squad. Led by Pat Freiermuth prior to his injury and now Theo Johnson and Brenton Strange, the tight ends are primed to not miss a beat with the coaching change.
What Penn State will miss most from Bowen though, is his ability to recruit as he was one of the best recruiters for the Nittany Lions and his departure has cost them a commitment already as Holden Staes announced he reopened his recruitment Friday morning.
The impact Howle has as a recruiter won't be seen for quite some time, but his love and experience playing at Penn State and for the Nittany Lions should set him up well in selling the university and the program.