Change is the only constant, but James Franklin had a tough time adapting to his new reality. After being dismissed as the Penn State Nittany Lions head coach after 12 years, Franklin opened up about his struggle with enjoying the sport that is such a huge part of his life. 

“But it was definitely a different experience when I'm used to being busy. But I couldn't even watch like I had a hard time watching college football, specifically Penn State,” Franklin said on May 7. “It was just too much of an emotional roller coaster.”

Adam Breneman had traveled to Blacksburg to meet his former coach. There, he chatted with Franklin, who is now in charge of Virginia Tech. In an episode of Next Up With Adam Breneman, Franklin shared how his dismissal took a toll on him.

“I just, I couldn't do it. There's just too many emotions,” Franklin told Breneman.

The 54-year-old’s unceremonious exit from Penn State was not a surprise. They first lost to the Oregon Ducks. Then the Nittany Lions’ 42-37 loss to UCLA, a program that was winless until that point, pushed Penn State to the brink. 

When Franklin returned from the away game, Beaver Stadium was, reportedly, buzzing with “Fire Franklin!” chants. The Lions then lost 22-21 to Northwestern on their home turf, which was the last straw for Penn State.

With a 3-3 record after a 3-0 start, Penn State asked Franklin to pack his bags, and he didn’t even get to inform the coaching staff.

ESPN research reported that since the poll era in 1936, Franklin’s .160 winning percentage against AP top-10 teams had tied for the third-worst record by a coach (minimum 25 games) at a program.

“With the two losses, Penn State became the first team since the FBS and FCS split in 1978 to lose consecutive games while favored by 20 or more points in each game,” ESPN wrote on October 12. 

Franklin shared that he has a “chip on his shoulder” because of how things ended with the Lions. He is thirsty for a better record, but a new ranking indicates that many might not have faith in him. 

James Franklin Suffers A Major Fall On College Football Coaches Ranking

On June 10, the Sporting News released its ranking for the top 25 college football coaches entering the season. James Franklin, the former Penn State head coach, has fallen from No. 8 to No. 20. His replacement, Matt Campbell, is just behind him at No.21.

“Franklin begins a new chapter at Virginia Tech after parting ways at Penn State last season. Franklin has top-notch program building skills, recruits well and enjoyed a consistent track record of success with the Nittany Lions,” Bill Bender wrote. 

A Fighting Gobbler article mentioned that shifting to the ACC has its own perks for Franklin as he no longer has to face Michigan, Ohio State, or Indiana. 

“A 4-21 record against top-10 opponents followed Franklin throughout his tenure at Penn State. A fresh start at Blacksburg was in order – and Franklin should challenge to be one of the top ACC coaches as early as this season,” Bender added.

Will this ranking deter Franklin or fuel him to do better? What are your thoughts?

Read more at the Michigan Football Community! 

Written by

Akanksha Biradar