After becoming the reported favorite for the Louisiana-Lafayette head coaching job, Penn State defensive coordinator Brent Pry will remain with the Nittany Lions.

Pry spoke with local reporters Friday during the team's pre-bowl Media Day at Beaver Stadium. He said there was mutual interest with the Ragin' Cajuns, whom he coached from 2002-2006, but declined to offer further details. Pry added he's looking forward to coaching the bowl game and his family is "happy to be in Happy Valley."

Brent Pry just said he's staying at #PennState. Said there was interest from La-Lafayette. — Richard Scarcella (@nittanyrich) December 15, 2017

Pry has been a rumored head coaching candidate the last two seasons. In his debut season as coordinator, the Lions allowed 25.6 points per game over their 2016 Big Ten title campaign. This year, Penn State finished as a top-10 scoring defense with 15.5 points allowed per game. Each season, the Lions ranked among the nation's top 15 defenses, per S&P+.

The ninth-ranked Lions return to action against No. 11 Washington on Dec. 30 in Glendale, Ariz. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. EST.