Penn State assistant Josh Gattis makes departure official, as reports peg replacement

Josh Gattis made his departure from Penn State official.

The Nittany Lions’ former wide receivers coach, who reportedly left for Alabama last week, confirmed the move via Twitter on Wednesday.

Gattis — who will serve as the Crimson Tide’s co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach — thanked James Franklin, his players, fellow coaches and the Nittany Lion faithful in a statement on Twitter.

“Penn State will always hold a special place in my heart as both of my kids have been born in State College,” Gattis wrote. “To my players, thank you to each and every one of you. I hope you know how thankful I am for each relationship and how much love I have for each one of you all.”

Gattis is a sizable loss to a transitioning offensive staff. Gattis — who spent two years at Vanderbilt with Franklin before following him to State College — mentored SEC record-holder Jordan Matthews, coached Penn State and Tampa Bay Buccaneers wideout Chris Godwin and instructed DaeSean Hamilton, the Nittany Lions’ all-time leader in receptions.

Gattis was the third assistant to leave Penn State this offseason. Joe Moorhead became Mississippi State’s head coach, and running backs coach Charles Huff followed him.

Ricky Rahne will serve as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, David Corley replaced Huff, Tyler Bowen became tight ends coach, and, according to reports, recently departed Florida assistant Ja’Juan Seider could fill Gattis’ shoes.

This story was originally published January 24, 2018 at 5:18 PM with the headline "Penn State assistant Josh Gattis makes departure official, as reports peg replacement."