Penn State’s Decision to Fire James Franklin Raises Concerns

James Franklin has quickly transitioned from his role as head coach of Penn State to the helm of Virginia Tech, a move that has sparked debate about the implications for both programs. Franklin accepted the position at Virginia Tech on Monday, October 23, 2023, leaving behind a Penn State team that had mixed feelings about his tenure.

While Penn State fans expressed relief at Franklin’s departure, many Arkansas supporters were disappointed by his decision to join Virginia Tech. This choice aligns well with Franklin’s recruiting strengths in the region and places him in a conference, the ACC, that presents significant opportunities. Despite criticisms of his record, Franklin is recognized as a consistent winner, having never experienced a losing season outside of his initial campaign at Vanderbilt and the tumultuous COVID-19 affected season in 2020.

The question remains: did James Franklin fail at Penn State, or were the expectations set too high? Over his tenure, Franklin achieved notable successes, including winning a Big Ten title in 2016 and reaching the conference championship game in 2024. He was also a play away from competing in the national championship game last season. His accomplishments include not only regular-season victories but also several significant bowl game wins.

James Franklin‘s inability to elevate Penn State to the elite level of college football has led to skepticism about his legacy. Critics point out that fans of other programs, such as Michigan and Clemson, had similar doubts until coaches like Jim Harbaugh and Dabo Swinney turned those teams into national contenders. The question arises whether Franklin needed more time to develop a championship-caliber program or if his tenure was simply not successful enough during critical moments.

As Penn State searches for a new head coach, the landscape appears less than promising. With prospective candidates like Eli Drinkwitz from Missouri and Brian Hartline gaining attention, the options may not inspire confidence. The recent resignation of Matt Rhule from the conversation further complicates matters.

Historically, programs that have moved on from successful coaches, such as Nebraska with Frank Solich and Bo Pelini, have faced challenges in regaining their former glory. Nebraska has not claimed a conference championship since firing both coaches, raising concerns that Penn State may face a similar fate after parting ways with Franklin.

The Nittany Lions have long been considered a top-tier program, but there are no guarantees regarding its future standing. If Franklin finds success at Virginia Tech, it could lead to a scenario where Penn State might regret its decision. The coaching search continues, but the pressure to secure a candidate capable of maintaining the program’s stature is mounting.

As the football landscape evolves, Penn State’s next steps will be crucial in determining whether the program can reclaim its position among college football’s elite or if it will struggle to keep pace with its competitors.