In what has been a busy season for some coaching staff turnover for James Franklin, Penn State is losing another key member of the football staff. But this time, it comes with a retirement instead of pursuing another job opportunity.
Dwight Galt III, the well-respected strength and conditioning coach in the program under Franklin, is officially set to retire next month. According to Lions 247, players were informed of the upcoming retirement before the bowl game. Penn State officially acknowledged the retirement news on its Twitter account on Friday with a message of thanks. Franklin followed with a statement shared on his Twitter account as well.
“Today is bittersweet as we congratulate Dwight Galt on his retirement after a tremendous career of service, influence and impact,” Franklin said in his statement. “I the 22-plus years I have known Deege, he has been a mentor to countless student-athletes & staff.”
Galt came to Penn State with Franklin from Vanderbilt when Franklin was hired by Penn State. But the two go even farther back. Franklin brought Galt with him to Vanderbilt from Maryland after Franklin was hired for the head coaching job with the Commodores for his first head coaching job.
Galt’s son, Dwight Galt IV recently joined former Penn State defensive coordinator Brent Pry at Virginia Tech. Galt IV spent a brief stint with former Penn State offensive coordinator Ricky Rahne at Old Dominion.
Under the leadership of Galt, Penn State’s football players have become well known for their physical performances, especially in the NFL combine and pro day environment. Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin called Penn State’s pro day a freak show after being impressed by how Penn State players were excelling in the pro day workouts, and a number of Penn State players have turned in impressive performances at the NFL’s scouting combine every year, and Galt is a big reason why.
Thank You, Deege! 🦁💪 #WeAre pic.twitter.com/p4u1nog8Cn
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) January 7, 2022
#WeAre Family Forever pic.twitter.com/N1ULnGoOIP
— James Franklin (@coachjfranklin) January 7, 2022
The retirement of Galt gives Penn State another football staff position t fill this offseason for Franklin. In addition to losing defensive coordinator Pry to a head coaching opportunity to Virginia Tech, Franklin has also had to replace his special teams coordinator (Joe Lorig to Oregon) and director of football operations (Michael Hazell to Virginia Tech).
Penn State has hired former Miami head coach Manny Diaz to be the new defensive coordinator. Former Boise State special teams coordinator Stacy Collins has been hired to be the new special teams coordinator for the Nittany Lions.
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