Trautwein Named Penn State Offensive Line Coach
New Jersey native won two National Championships as a player at Florida and had a four-year NFL career
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State football head coach James Franklin named Phil Trautwein (pronounced trout-wine) offensive line coach Friday.
“We are thrilled to welcome Phil and his family to Penn State,” Franklin said. “Phil has had success at the highest level as a player, winning two National Championships at Florida and spending four seasons in the NFL. He is a rising star in our profession and has had success in developing tremendous offensive linemen during his time at Boston College with nine players earning All-ACC honors in two seasons. We are excited to bring his knowledge and experiences to Happy Valley.”
“Growing up in New Jersey, I was always a fan of Penn State. It was the best academic and athletic university in the country then, and it remains so today,” Trautwein said. “My family and I are grateful Coach Franklin has given us the opportunity to join the outstanding staff he’s assembled. I could not be more excited to continue building the best offensive line in the country, and to help bring championships to Happy Valley.”
Trautwein served as the offensive line coach for the last two seasons at Boston College, helping the Eagles to a pair of bowl berths.
Trautwein guided all five of his starting offensive linemen to 2019 All-ACC honors in John Phillips (first), Zion Johnson (second), Ben Petrula (second), Alex Lindstrom (third) and Tyler Vrabel (honorable mention). The Eagles allowed just 11 sacks in 2019, which was the third-fewest in FBS, and 57 tackles for loss, which was 13th in FBS. In addition, BC averaged 267.8 rushing yards per game to rank fifth in FBS in rushing offense.
According to ESPN’s Bill Connelly, Boston College was first in FBS in blitz down sack rate and third in power success rate (percentage of runs on third or fourth down with 2 yards or less to go that achieved a first down or touchdown) in 2019. SportSource Analytics also rated the Eagles sixth in offensive line efficiency this season.
In his first season as BC’s offensive line coach, Trautwein mentored Chris Lindstrom to All-America accolades and first-team All-ACC honors as BC’s top offensive lineman. Lindstrom, who did not allow a sack and just three hurries in his final season, went on to be the first guard and second offensive lineman selected in the 2019 NFL Draft with the 14th overall pick. In addition to Lindstrom, he guided Aaron Monteiro, John Baker and Petrula to All-ACC laurels. Monteiro also signed with the NFL’s Miami Dolphins in 2019.
Trautwein spent two seasons (2016-17) as the tight ends coach at Davidson College. He also served as special teams coordinator in 2017.
The native of Voorhees, New Jersey, broke into the coaching ranks as a graduate assistant for three seasons (2013-15) at Boston College. During his time as a GA, he worked with the offensive line, tight ends and fullbacks.
Trautwein was a two-time All-SEC selection and two-time team captain as a left tackle at Florida, earning first-team honors in 2008 and second-team accolades in 2006. He was an integral part of the Gators winning the BCS National Championship and SEC titles in the 2006 and 2008 seasons. He also played in the Peach and Outback Bowls as a player.
After a successful collegiate career, Trautwein played four seasons in the NFL with the St. Louis Rams, Cleveland Brown, New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers.
Trautwein graduated with a bachelor’s degree in family, youth and community sciences in 2007 and master’s degree in educational leadership in 2008 from Florida. He also earned a master’s degree in administrative studies from Boston College in 2014.
Trautwein and his wife, Lindsey, have two sons, Braden and Oakley, and one daughter, Alexis.