James Franklin is targeting Chicago Bears assistant defensive line coach Justin Hinds for the defensive line vacancy at Penn State, sources told FootballScoop on Saturday.
The Nittany Lions lost John Scott, Jr., a FootballScoop Defensive Line Coach of the Year finalist, to the Detroit Lions earlier this week.
The 2022 campaign was Hinds's first in Chicago. He was Western Carolina's defensive coordinator in 2021, and prior to that developed two All-MAC D-linemen as Central Michigan's defensive line coach from 2019-20. Troy Hairston II was the MAC's co-defensive player of the year for a 2020 season that saw him register 5.5 sacks and 12 TFLs.
Hinds played at Rowan University and has coached defensive linemen for Wagner, Valdosta State, and Lafayette.
A decision is expected as soon as this weekend, sources said.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.
Sunday afternoon update> Sources tell FootballScoop Hinds has decided to remain with the Bears.