Penn State has found its replacement for one time deputy athletic director Phil Esten.

The athletic department announced on Tuesday the hiring of Scott Sidwell, formerly the Director of Athletics at the University of San Francisco, as its new Deputy Director of Athletics for external units and functions.

In other words, Sidwell ‘will direct the leadership of Penn State Athletics’ development, marketing, strategic communications, facilities operations and event management," under director of athletics Sandy Barbour, a news release said. He’ll also be who head coach James Franklin reports to, as Sidwell will be the ‘day to day sport administrator’ for the football program.

“We are elated to have Scott joining our team,” Barbour said in a release.

“Scott brings an outstanding depth and breadth of experience to Penn State, including significant success in marketing, development and facilities initiatives. He has a high level of experience with the external functions of a comprehensive athletic department and will be a great fit for Penn State and our team."

Siwell is described in Penn State’s news release as a ‘successful fundraiser,’ with past examples including “raising $40 million over the past seven years, including $27 million for facilities,” at San Francisco. That should be seen as a positive, as the Lions athletic department is currently in the midst of its own facilities master plan, which one day will tackle renovations at Beaver Stadium.

“I’m excited for Scott and the Nittany Lions. I’ve known Scott a long time and he is brilliant. He is honest with you, is passionate and has incredible work-ethic," Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte said in a news release. The two spent time together on the 2018 NCAA Division I Baseball Committee.

"Scott is a doer – he knows how to get things done. He has a great background and love of football. I’m happy for Sandy (Barbour), James (Franklin) and Penn State.”

Sidwell started his job as San Francisco’s Director of Athletics in 2011. Before that, he worked for Tulane and Syracuse. His father, Scott, was a longtime college football and NFL assistant and defensive coordinator for a number of schools and franchises.

Esten, who he replaces, left Penn State to become the athletic director at The University of St. Thomas following the Citrus Bowl.

“My family and I are thrilled and honored to be joining the Penn State team,” Sidwell said in a release. “I am excited to work with Sandy and the many talented ICA colleagues that carry the #OneTeam brand so proudly. We will continue to focus on comprehensive excellence in all that we do to support and enhance the vision of preparing students for a lifetime of impact. We Are!”