Are you done with Franklin?
- Thread starter BobPSU92
- Start date
Funny question to ask this morning. I’ve been ready to move on for a while, even though I like the guy and think he represents our university quite well overall (except on Saturday afternoons). Ironically, I don’t feel it’s fair to slight him for last night’s loss. His kids were ready to play, and even wrestled momentum back after losing it in a well-fought game. Ultimately, I suppose he’s not going to take the final leap, so……
That’s a joke, right? You wanted to make the playoffs and we did. Even won two playoff games. 13 wins for the first time in school history. Competitive in EVERY game even the three we lost. This is an outstanding coach. He does a better job of preparing teams than any coach we have ever had including Joe.
The question was whether "I was ready to move on from Franklin". The only way to move on from Franklin would be to move on from the team and program. Because unless someone else (Kraft) decides to move on from CJF (and I don't think that is going to happen), then CJF and the program are tied to each other.
So, you have to decide if you want to move on from the program in it's entirety or not.
So, you have to decide if you want to move on from the program in it's entirety or not.
No. Look, I’m a mom of 3 girls, know of football because I grew up in a sports loving family and also coached k-8 bball. I’m also a teacher. With that said, here are my humble thoughts… we can have all the talent in the world, but it’s not gonna fly if there isn’t a mental preparation aspect to it. Look at the women’s volleyball team. They have it. We have some players that don’t or it isn’t fully developed yet. Lastly, the players and agents are running things now. I don’t know how these coaches coddle the recruits, game plan, coach, deal with the portal, the agents etc etc. I Think Franklin is spread thin at times.
Actually, I was hoping that Kraft would let us know how he voted here.
Probably the 'best' chance we will have at a NC appearance for some time - I'm assuming the roster will be largely reset next year but we do have a favorable schedule. We don't have a choice with Franklin - he didn't lose the game last night and he's not going anywhere. We were in every one one of our losses which were all by one score. We snatched defeat from the jaws of victory each time. Need better QB play, ANYONE who can play WR, more athletic LB's (with depth), and a stud at DT. Durant is outkicking his coverage as an undersized DT, and our edges are good. DB's are mostly solid and RB/TE has and continues to be a strength. Been a fun season for the most part; nice to be one of the last four standing for a change. Would a different coach be better? Maybe - no idea; don't have the energy to waste anymore on Franklin. When he goes, he goes.
It's not Franklin's fault that Drew decides to throw into triple coverage. It's not Franklin's fault the DB slipped and fell leaving WR wide open. It's not Franklin's fault the DL had hands to the face penalty. The coach can't control players while on the field. That being said, I don't think he demands perfection during practice which seems to lead to some sloppiness on the field. Practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect. If practice is sloppy it reflects on the field during games. He seems to be a players coach and great guy and everyone loves him but I am questioning that is doesn't translate to crisp undisciplined play during games. He is not there to be everyone's friend he is there to lead. However, in this day and age of NIL and agents and transfer portal it seems it is a fine line he need to walk to keep players here(and coaches for that matter). I am not ready to move on from Franklin(also, who is out there to take over? Saban ain't coaching again). I am will to deal with the hardships of a coach trying to get over the hump and win the big ones. JoePA went thru it, Jimmy Johnson at Miami went thru, Tom Osborne, etc. It takes time and experience to learn what makes the difference to put your team over the top. The only downside is it seems when one area improves another area seems neglected. For example, the offensive line and running game improved immensely but now the WR room is a problem. QB improvement has been a problem since he got here. At least this is my observation on the outside looking in. I have faith in James but last night was hard to take. Time moves on, Go Birds!!
1 thing is for sure.... they need to make a change at WR coach. The lack of talent, development, etc at that position has been a sore spot for awhile now in this program. They need to hit the portal hard as well as get a coach who can recruit and land talent and skill along with develop those players.
I expect Kraft to announce a contract extension and raise for CJF before the end of the spring. Maybe a little later.
Well said, ro. Franklin is making too much $ to walk away and PSU can’t afford to buy him out. They’re stuck together.
The questions aren’t about last night’s game. They fought hard and were competitive.
The questions are about what Penn State wants to be as a program and whether Franklin can get them there. The 10-year trend is very clear. The current program just doesn’t win games like last night. Period.
Answering all of this is above the pay grade for most on the board. I think Penn State is thrilled to be Top 10 in most years and take lots of $ from the fans and alums. There’s strength there for a bloated athletic department with many mouths to feed.
The fear of a coaching change disrupting that is likely preventing them from going for it the way Ohio St and Michigan would. We are also a mid-tier school that lacks a true bench of top-tier alums and boosters with the deep pockets required to be elite.
Michigan and Ohio St have invested decades in building that. Penn State isn’t as well organized.
I’m clearly not thrilled with the plateau this program is on, but it’s entertaining most years, even if the ultimate outcome is preordained.
Coach Franklin is coaching in an era where there is more handshaking, hugs and coddling and much less “do your dam job or sit down”. Some may argue Coach Franklin emphasizes way too much “family & feelings” and less “I want to win a National Championship!!” I say it’s a fine line, one that’s difficult to navigate.
I firmly believe that Nick Saban stepped down because of NIL & the Transfer Portal. He saw the athlete as a means to an end and that was a National Championship. The reward for the athlete was to play on Sunday’s and make millions.
I firmly believe that Nick Saban stepped down because of NIL & the Transfer Portal. He saw the athlete as a means to an end and that was a National Championship. The reward for the athlete was to play on Sunday’s and make millions.
What if Penn State brought in a General Manager to oversee operations and help Franklin?
Stanford did that with Andrew Luck. TBD how it plays out, but you have to strive to improve. Show the players and alums that you get it and have a plan.
What result would create faith in James? He has a nearly perfect record in big games. He loses almost all of them.
Name his signature road win during his tenure at Penn State.
Do you not have enough evidence?
Marcus Freeman passed him last night? And who was he before ND hired him.
It is possible to give someone else a chance.
Exactly....todays coach is not coaching football anymore its massaging ego laden entitled brats who haven't done anything but play high school football...yes egos have always been in football players since the dawn of time but the TEAM concept and who you are playing for has always superseded that....now not so much..... they are all playing for themselves that just happens to make up a team this particular year or next "don't like here""not enough money" " not enough playing time" yada i move on etc
Franklin is selling a particular thing that attracts a particular player the whole notion of WE ARE is just exactly that---- you saw it in the pregame promo...too many 5 stars (especially WR Divas) are not in the 'we are' model plain and simple...
We fans have to make a choice in our own self cognitive dissonance either we want the PSU legacy (Engle, Joepa) to continue which means you need a coach to do what Franklin is doing in addition to being able to coach up the 3 stars we do get----- OR----- we as fans need to go all in and pony up to NIL like OSU instead of being a sideline naybob. All those teams have started 30 yards ahead of us in a 100 yard dash because they have always done it in the past under the table
One can simply look at the chargers to see how a single man can change a culture (and quickly)
Total redo in the WR room is needed. We need to recruit much better there. It has been incredibly weak the last few years and is costing us in the biggest games.
A change at the top is the fastest way to jolt a program. But there’s a risk.
Franklin not being able to win as an underdog against a top opponent has become such a distraction that I'm wondering if it's just better to take the hit and move on. Plus, in an age when schools will be buying players it seems like recruiting has changed such that charismatic personality traits (perhaps his greatest strength) will play a smaller role in the success of a program. I think Franklin has probably taken the program as far as he can.
They have one.... and a whole lot more:
Penn State - Official Athletics Website
Up to at least 26 Coaches/Analysts, and at least 20 Admins (just within Football - not counting departmental admins))
I’m done feeling sorry for myself. I’m getting off my *** and doing something constructive.
Thanks to the players and coaching staff and fans for representing.
Thanks to the players and coaching staff and fans for representing.
"Cognitive dissonance", indeed.
Our list of WANTS from our FBC:
*Undefeated season, every season
*National championship, every year
*All players getting straight As in BioChem
*100% graduation rate
*No significant departures to the portal
*Everyone willing to do all of this for the cost of tuition, books, and R&B
*Perfect, state-of-the-art facilities that cost next to nothing to construct and maintain
Doesn't seem like so much to ask for...
Our list of WANTS from our FBC:
*Undefeated season, every season
*National championship, every year
*All players getting straight As in BioChem
*100% graduation rate
*No significant departures to the portal
*Everyone willing to do all of this for the cost of tuition, books, and R&B
*Perfect, state-of-the-art facilities that cost next to nothing to construct and maintain
Doesn't seem like so much to ask for...
I'm for coach but don't be surprised if his agent uses the final 4 pitch to get another couple million in the offseason. That's just the world we live in now. We're all free agents
Don’t get me wrong, this post is about me exclusively. This was a ******* hard loss to take. We’ll all have our own ways to deal with it, no judgement from me.
I will not. I’ve followed Penn State football since Don Jonas (look up when he played) from West Scranton played there. I went running with Dennis Onkotz during the summer. Matt Millen watched the Flyers at my place. You get the gist. Oh, and my daughter has her BS from State. MBA from George Washington.
So, it's your fault Millen never completed the mile run? Too busy drinking beers and watching the Flyers?
The majority of posters on this board have been through at least 3 named head football coaches, probably a thousand different football players, probably several dozen assitant football coaches. And, the worst scandal to hit a college football program....maybe ever? And yet, we are all still here.
The original question for this thread was ridiculous.
Good. That’s what I was going for. That said, it’s a serious topic for some folks here.
How about a signature win (beat someone with equal or better talent)? That would be a start!
With Franklin, I now go into games like these with the expectation that we are going to blow it somehow. And low and behold...
This means when the game is over and we lose, I'm no longer disappointed.
This means when the game is over and we lose, I'm no longer disappointed.
Always good to know when you reached your goals.
Feel free to hammer on Franklin - he is the head coach and that's part of the job. And this is a good place to let off steam.
But, my point remains - if you want to separate from Franklin, you have to separate from the program. And "some folks" who take these things that seriously, can do that if they wish.
edit - if it's that serious of a topic, then some folks should be more involved with the University and the Athletic Dept. And further...."some folks" who take this as a serious topic aren't the ones who waste time on message boards.
If CJF keeps recruiting OL and DL like he has been, and gets back to recruiting WR at the level he once did at PSU, then all that is left if finally figuring out the QB1 position. If that happens, then I do believe we can get a Michigan-like breakthrough under Franklin (because UM recruits at around the same level PSU does). This year was a step in the right direction despite some obvious roster holes. Gotta level up the recruiting from the past two cycles and I think the 2026 class may be setting up in that direction. This playoff run can pay dividends for a brand like PSU going forward in recruiting.
How about you pony up first? you got a mil for NIL??? ---if not , while your critique might be accurate is worth nothing/bukis till you pony up
put your money where your mouth is.... isn't that the saying
cognitive dissonance personified
Afraid of change is un American, like throwing a brick thru a Portland window
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then I do believe we can get a Michigan-like breakthrough
they start their next one in a few months.
they start their next one in a few months.