Former players and assistant coaches of Joe Moorhead gave their thoughts in an article on ESPN on the 42-year-old’s move from his head coaching position at Fordham to become the new offensive coordinator at Penn State.

“Personally, it’s something I wasn’t surprised about because Coach Moorhead deserves the opportunity,” said Chase Edmonds, Moorhead’s former star running back. “It’s sad to see him go — but it’s exciting, man. I believe he’ll turn this Penn State offense around.”

Quarterback Michael Nebrich, who followed Moorhead from UConn to Fordham, also spoke highly of his former coach. With the quick amount of success Moorhead accomplished at his alma mater, Nebrich was actually surprised he stayed with the Rams for so long, and said that the Nittany Lions got an “absolute steal.”

Two of Moorhead’s closest coaching colleagues — newly announced Fordham head coach Andrew Breiner and Houston defensive coordinator Todd Orlando — both were complimentary of Moorhead. Breiner praised Penn State’s new offensive coordinator for his work ethic, saying, “He will not stop working until the job is done and the job is done the right way. I was given the best lesson I could ever receive on what being thorough really means.” Orlando echoed Nebrich’s comments, saying, “He’s put up big numbers and big points everywhere he’s gone. He’s no one-hit wonder…I thought this would’ve happened much sooner.”

It’s obvious Moorhead is extremely well-thought of and respected among the college football community. The fact his former players are also happy for him just further exhibits the type of person that’s joining James Franklin’s staff. Still, it remains to be seen what Moorhead will accomplish at Penn State. While he’s been successful at seemingly every stop, his job with the Nittany Lions could be a career changing position. If he’s able to take Penn State’s offense to new heights next season, Moorhead will quickly become a household name, and someone who could potentially get legitimate looks at a head coaching position at the FBS level. If the Nittany Lions’ offense can follow Moorhead’s standard this season, Moorhead should avoid becoming the new John Donovan in Happy Valley.