Penn State HC James Franklin Shoots Down Miami Job Rumors
After just two seasons at Penn State, rumors began to swirl this week about Head Coach James Franklin leaving the program for the University of Miami position. The Hurricanes’ program fired their head coach Al Golden after a 4-3 start to the season. Golden had come from Temple, who is currently undefeated and hosting ESPN’s College GameDay this weekend when they take on Notre Dame in Philadelphia.
It’s not surprising Franklin’s name would be mentioned for another high profile program. He’s a great recruiter, interacts well with the community, and is known for being a passionate leader on and off the field.
Coach James Franklin addressed the rumors relating to the Miami vacancy with some anger earlier this week. He says it’s an unneeded distraction to the team and that Happy Valley is the place he wanted to be.
Check out James Franklin’s comments on the Miami job from earlier this week:
"I have no idea where it's coming from, whatsoever ... This is where I want to be." @coachjfranklin, on Miami rumor https://t.co/w7b9WuKs0b
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) October 27, 2015
Texas Head Coach Charlie Strong has also denied rumors that he’d be willing to leave the Longhorns for Miami. Larry Scott is currently filling in at the interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
While James Franklin and his staff have been under fire from Penn State students and fans (yes, that includes me) for their questionable play-calling, they’re undoubtedly some of the best recruiters in the country. 247 Sports ranked Penn State’s 2016 recruiting class in the top five of all of college football and ESPN followed suit with a similar ranking.
Regardless of what the fans think, Franklin and the Nittany Lions are 6-2 and on their way to a second consecutive bowl game. They also carry several intriguing draft prospects on both sides of the ball. They have the nation’s sack leader in former walk-on Carl Nassib, a promising late day one/early day two defensive tackle in Anthony Zettel, and of course quarterback Christian Hackenberg. The junior quarterback is expected to be taken anywhere from the first overall pick to the late first round after working under two completely different offensive systems.
The Nittany Lions will take on Big 10 foe Illinois in their second-to-last home game of the season on Halloween this Saturday.