UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – After eight seasons at the helm of Penn State men’s soccer, head coach Jeff Cook is leaving Happy Valley to take on a leadership role at an MLS club. A national search for Cook’s replacement will begin immediately.
“We are incredibly grateful to Jeff for his eight years of leadership and dedication to Penn State men’s soccer,” said Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Pat Kraft. “Jeff not only guided our program to championships and NCAA Tournament appearances, but he also developed outstanding student-athletes on and off the field. We thank him for his commitment to excellence and wish him the very best as he begins this next chapter in his career.”
“It has been a privilege to lead the men’s soccer program at Penn State for the last eight years,” said Cook. “My family and I are beyond grateful for the time we have spent in State College and are deeply appreciative of all that this University has done for us. I’m proud of the accomplishments we have attained, of our student-athletes’ successes on and off the soccer field, and of the countless meaningful friendships that have been built.”
Cook, a two-time Big Ten Coach of the Year, led the Nittany Lions to a 66-49-23 record during his time in University Park, including a 31-23-14 mark in conference play. During his tenure, Penn State reached the NCAA Tournament three times. He led the Blue & White to a Big Ten regular-season championship in 2021 and 2023, and Big Ten Conference Tournament title in 2021. In addition, he guided the program to top-two finishes in conference action three other times.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to all of the student-athletes that I have had the good fortune to coach; their impact and contributions have been outstanding,” Cook said. “I’ve benefited from the tremendous support of so many of our coaches and staff, from my colleagues and friends across the athletic department, and from our passionate alumni and fans. Thank you to Pat Kraft, Adam Miller, and the Nittany Lions’ athletic leadership - there is so much hard work that goes on behind the scenes to drive our programs forward. The new facility initiatives are a shining example of the commitment to excellence that I have been so proud to be a part of. I will remain a dedicated supporter of our men’s soccer program and of this special university. We Are!”
During his tenure, Cook coached 30 All-Big Ten selections, five conference major award winners, 18 United Soccer Coaches All-Region honorees and 35 Big Ten Distinguished Scholars. He also saw nine Nittany Lions drafted during his time in Happy Valley, including most recent selections Caden Grabfelder and Mohamed Cisset. Cisset also played in the Paris Olympics for Mali.