What is there to like about Coach Franklin?

Old As Dirt

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I read the thread because I was intrigued by the question. I thought it might be tongue in cheek. Looking at where PSU football was at as a program when Franklin came on, I can’t imagine how we could have done better, and kept the identity of a program trying to do things right in a world of, to put it a certain nostalgic way, Barry Switzers.
Sure he has his faults, as does every other coach, and that includes JVP who I admired nonetheless.
But, please, no more about his salary. How much is a top CFB coach worth? What someone will pay him. Does anyone doubt that Franklin would command at least as much as he makes now on the open market?
 

Meat Lab

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Oct 25, 2021
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I read the thread because I was intrigued by the question. I thought it might be tongue in cheek. Looking at where PSU football was at as a program when Franklin came on, I can’t imagine how we could have done better, and kept the identity of a program trying to do things right in a world of, to put it a certain nostalgic way, Barry Switzers.
Sure he has his faults, as does every other coach, and that includes JVP who I admired nonetheless.
But, please, no more about his salary. How much is a top CFB coach worth? What someone will pay him. Does anyone doubt that Franklin would command at least as much as he makes now on the open market?
Franklin gave his great to elite talk after the Ohio state loss in 2018. Since that game, his record is 38-18 (.678) overall with 0-4 vs OSU and 2-3 vs Michigan.

Prior to that, his record was 40-18 (.689).

Just sayin.
 

Midnighter

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I read the thread because I was intrigued by the question. I thought it might be tongue in cheek. Looking at where PSU football was at as a program when Franklin came on, I can’t imagine how we could have done better, and kept the identity of a program trying to do things right in a world of, to put it a certain nostalgic way, Barry Switzers.
Sure he has his faults, as does every other coach, and that includes JVP who I admired nonetheless.
But, please, no more about his salary. How much is a top CFB coach worth? What someone will pay him. Does anyone doubt that Franklin would command at least as much as he makes now on the open market?

Franklin is probably underpaid to be honest. It’s less about the annual salary than the length of the contract (and how it limits what PSU can do) to be honest. But, PSU created that problem for itself by making the offer. Still, with all the funny money out there this is pretty reasonable (assuming we all agree paying a coach millions of dollars isn’t insane to begin with).
 

Nitt1300

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The problem is to a vocal few here, you can't hold any dissenting or critical view of Franklin and still say positive things about him. It's the same three posters over, and over, and over again.


Season 5 Nbc GIF by The Office
Bull.

The problem is that a number- more than three- of people here have a pathological hatred of Franklin (I wonder why?). They revel in losses and mourn and disparage wins, often disappearing for a few days after particularly good wins. And standing up to these a-holes isn't being a "bully".
 

Meat Lab

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Bull.

The problem is that a number- more than three- of people here have a pathological hatred of Franklin (I wonder why?). They revel in losses and mourn and disparage wins, often disappearing for a few days after particularly good wins. And standing up to these a-holes isn't being a "bully".
I by no means have any hatred of Franklin. I’m just saying “you are what your record says you are”. He’s a great coach. Just not elite.
 
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GrimReaper

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Franklin gave his great to elite talk after the Ohio state loss in 2018. Since that game, his record is 38-18 (.678) overall with 0-4 vs OSU and 2-3 vs Michigan.

Prior to that, his record was 40-18 (.689).

Just sayin.
The audience for that talk was more troubling.
 

LaJollaCreek

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Which means you’re fine with being great and just not elite.
Nope, not at all. Your posts here or mine won’t turn that corner either. About 5 coaches have that elite status currently. This you’re fine with it is BS and weak. If you don’t think he can turn that next corner, that is your right. Some of us think and hope he can.
 

marshall23

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Which means you’re fine with being great and just not elite.
Sorry fanboy, but even if PSU won 10 consecutive NCs you would not be "elite." I don't need a college football team to win games to make me feel better about myself.
 

Meat Lab

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Nope, not at all. Your posts here or mine won’t turn that corner either. About 5 coaches have that elite status currently. This you’re fine with it is BS and weak. If you don’t think he can turn that next corner, that is your right. Some of us think and hope he can.
I hope he can as well. But the facts (I.e., his record) are what they are. His winning percentage was better BEFORE he made those comments some 5 years ago than after. If you and others are fine with that, then great.
 

Midnighter

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Bull.

The problem is that a number- more than three- of people here have a pathological hatred of Franklin (I wonder why?). They revel in losses and mourn and disparage wins, often disappearing for a few days after particularly good wins. And standing up to these a-holes isn't being a "bully".

Yes, habitual line by line refutation of someone’s opinions (in a parody thread of a similar thread - mission accomplished Bob!) after every single post isn’t bullying - it’s a circle jerk.

Maybe one or two folks here totally despise Franklin; others don’t mind pointing out recurring issues and that somehow translates to ‘hating’ Franklin. Curious to the apparent implication you’re making….
 
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marshall23

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Franklin gave his great to elite talk after the Ohio state loss in 2018. Since that game, his record is 38-18 (.678) overall with 0-4 vs OSU and 2-3 vs Michigan.

Prior to that, his record was 40-18 (.689).

Just sayin.
What is PSU'S all time winning %? .688. So Franklin is doing just what PSU coaches have done for 100 years. The problem therefore isn't him. The problem is you. Every coach aspires to win every game. Saying it's a goal to win more frequently, is understandable.
 

Meat Lab

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Nope, not at all. Your posts here or mine won’t turn that corner either. About 5 coaches have that elite status currently. This you’re fine with it is BS and weak. If you don’t think he can turn that next corner, that is your right. Some of us think and hope he can.
BTW Lajolla. Are you going to catch the final tour this summer? I plan on making several. I really think Bob will continue elsewhere until he drops.
 

Meat Lab

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marshall23

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The problem is me? I said “being great isn’t good enough”? If you’re going to talk the talk…..
Every Coach, every team competes with the goal of winning. Stating that your goal is to win isn't something fanboys should put under their pillow at nights and expect to turn into money by morning. Relax, it'll be alright. PSU is a top 8-15 program. On an occasional season a bit better and on some worse. If you deserve better ....Alabama is accepting fans in the portal.
 

Jackknife Jonnie

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A lot of folks, especially here in SEC country did not and still don't like him because basically he talked too much shat. And honestly, I thought the same of him when he first came on board. Initially, he was a little too much mayonnaise on the sandwich for me.

From my somewhat limited perspective, and this is me giving him a little credit, he's tapered down some of that rhetoric and has become a fine spokesman for the team and university. You can't deny his passion and dedication to the players and PSU.

Is he perfect, obviously not. But, he's stayed on message and the players and families connect with him and the staff ... think you have to happy with that.
 

Nitt1300

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Yes, habitual line by line refutation of someone’s opinions (in a parody thread of a similar thread - mission accomplished Bob!) after every single post isn’t bullying - it’s a circle jerk.

Maybe one or two folks here totally despise Franklin; others don’t mind pointing out recurring issues and that somehow translates to ‘hating’ Franklin. Curious to the apparent implication you’re making….
There are more than "one or two". You know who they are as well as I do, I'm sure.

And no, I don't think you are one of them- you just have an opinion that I strongly disagree with, no issue with that.
 
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GrimReaper

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Every Coach, every team competes with the goal of winning. Stating that your goal is to win isn't something fanboys should put under their pillow at nights and expect to turn into money by morning. Relax, it'll be alright. PSU is a top 8-15 program. On an occasional season a bit better and on some worse. If you deserve better ....Alabama is accepting fans in the portal.
No problem with setting goals high. Wasn't thrilled how it was done.
 

marshall23

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No problem with setting goals high. Wasn't thrilled how it was done.
I've said worse after a tough loss. He isn't Jesus Christ. People hide in foxholes and wait to take potshots...."dominate the state"
lambasted for losing Fleming and Rucci....does anyone want them now?
Anyone who claims they have never misspoken or regretted their comments is a liar.
I think 2016 while a great season, made all of us think of magic. There will likely never be another season in our lifetime where achievements exceed expectations in such a profound way. I think after that, James and many of us felt things would just fall into place. 20-21 was a wake up. I'll settle for 4 11 win seasons every 7 years.
 

Burgenthal

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Paterno was 2-9 vs Lloyd Carr, 3-6 vs Jim Tressel, and 3-8 vs Kirk Ferentz. That’s 8-23 vs those three conference coaches.
Careful... you are speaking down on some posters God here. They will remind you about a couple year stretch back before our recruit's parents were even born.
 

nl4ever

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Under Franklin, the Nittany Lions are 2-15 against top-10 teams and 1-10 against top-5 teams. Since taking over as head coach in 2014, Penn State football is 1-8 against Ohio State and 3-6 against Michigan. All for $7m per year. I’d like to think Joe set a bar higher than that.
Care to cite those records for the 10 yrs prior to Franklin taking over? Or maybe 20?
 
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s1uggo72

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I've said worse after a tough loss. He isn't Jesus Christ. People hide in foxholes and wait to take potshots...."dominate the state"
lambasted for losing Fleming and Rucci....does anyone want them now?
Anyone who claims they have never misspoken or regretted their comments is a liar.
I think 2016 while a great season, made all of us think of magic. There will likely never be another season in our lifetime where achievements exceed expectations in such a profound way. I think after that, James and many of us felt things would just fall into place. 20-21 was a wake up. I'll settle for 4 11 win seasons every 7 years.
I'd take Rucci all day long.
 

Midnighter

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Care to cite those records for the 10 yrs prior to Franklin taking over? Or maybe 20?

I've done the research - Joe's numbers aren't that good (especially his last nine years) using that same criteria. What he did do better was: win B1G Championships (2 to 1, noting ties were allowed then and are not now). He had two losing seasons during that nine year stretch (which goes to show how bad PSU was - we didn't have anywhere near a 2003 or 2004 season under O'Brien or Franklin despite sanctions). Franklin has more 11 win seasons (four to Joe's three) and has not had a losing season. Where it gets interesting is recruiting acumen and salary - Joe's classes over that time period averaged mid-30's nationally; Franklin is about mid-teen's (15 or so). Joe made an average salary (at the time, his highest annual salary was just over $1mm/year while the highest paid coach was Nick Saban at about $3mm/year), and CFJ is one of the highest paid coaches in the B1G. Joe also did not play OSU and Michigan every year like Franklin has to do. I think it's mostly a 'wash', noting Franklin recruits a lot better than Joe did towards the end of his career but the results are pretty close overall. This year could be a big, big year for the program - OSU doesn't look invincible (on paper) and you never know about Michigan. If we take care of the games we should win (as in, are favored in) could be B1G Championship and CFP bound.

Well See GIF by Saturday Night Live
 

marshall23

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I've done the research - Joe's numbers aren't that good (especially his last nine years) using that same criteria. What he did do better was: win B1G Championships (2 to 1, noting ties were allowed then and are not now). He had two losing seasons during that nine year stretch (which goes to show how bad PSU was - we didn't have anywhere near a 2003 or 2004 season under O'Brien or Franklin despite sanctions). Franklin has more 11 win seasons (four to Joe's three) and has not had a losing season. Where it gets interesting is recruiting acumen and salary - Joe's classes over that time period averaged mid-30's nationally; Franklin is about mid-teen's (15 or so). Joe made an average salary (at the time, his highest annual salary was just over $1mm/year while the highest paid coach was Nick Saban at about $3mm/year), and CFJ is one of the highest paid coaches in the B1G. Joe also did not play OSU and Michigan every year like Franklin has to do. I think it's mostly a 'wash', noting Franklin recruits a lot better than Joe did towards the end of his career but the results are pretty close overall. This year could be a big, big year for the program - OSU doesn't look invincible (on paper) and you never know about Michigan. If we take care of the games we should win (as in, are favored in) could be B1G Championship and CFP bound.

Well See GIF by Saturday Night Live
I think some should be able to figure out that even if Joe was a much better coach than James (and at this point, that would be fair to say).....Joe isn't available to coach anymore. So if you want to trash James, one should tell us who is going to be .500 or better vs Michigan and Ohio State. The fact is that the coaching critics never name that coach. Why, because he either doesn't exist or he isn't coming to PSU. Yet, these sad fans complain about James and mutter..."we deserve better."
 
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GrimReaper

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I've said worse after a tough loss. He isn't Jesus Christ. People hide in foxholes and wait to take potshots...."dominate the state"
lambasted for losing Fleming and Rucci....does anyone want them now?
Anyone who claims they have never misspoken or regretted their comments is a liar.
I think 2016 while a great season, made all of us think of magic. There will likely never be another season in our lifetime where achievements exceed expectations in such a profound way. I think after that, James and many of us felt things would just fall into place. 20-21 was a wake up. I'll settle for 4 11 win seasons every 7 years.
Throwing your team under the bus is not a good look.
 
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Meat Lab

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Every Coach, every team competes with the goal of winning. Stating that your goal is to win isn't something fanboys should put under their pillow at nights and expect to turn into money by morning. Relax, it'll be alright. PSU is a top 8-15 program. On an occasional season a bit better and on some worse. If you deserve better ....Alabama is accepting fans in the portal.
Lol. I care from kickoff time until the final gun sounds….and sometimes before then. Too many more important things in life than worrying about great vs. elite.
 

leinbacker

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So I asked an AI app “What is there to like about Penn state coach James Franklin”

it says


As an AI language model, I do not have personal opinions. However, here are some reasons why people like Penn State Coach James Franklin:

1. He is a successful coach: James Franklin has a strong track record of success as a coach. He led Vanderbilt to three bowl games and has won three Big Ten championships at Penn State.

2. He is a great recruiter: Franklin is known for his ability to recruit top talent. Under his leadership, Penn State has consistently landed highly ranked recruiting classes.

3. He is a leader: Franklin is known for his strong leadership skills both on and off the field. He is a vocal advocate for his players and is highly respected by his team.

4. He is passionate: Franklin brings a high level of energy and enthusiasm to his coaching. He is known for his fiery speeches and passionate approach to the game.

5. He is a community builder: Franklin has worked to build strong relationships with the Penn State community and is actively involved in charitable initiatives and community outreach programs.
 
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leinbacker

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So I asked an AI app “What is there to like about Penn state coach James Franklin”

it says


As an AI language model, I do not have personal opinions. However, here are some reasons why people like Penn State Coach James Franklin:

1. He is a successful coach: James Franklin has a strong track record of success as a coach. He led Vanderbilt to three bowl games and has won three Big Ten championships at Penn State.

2. He is a great recruiter: Franklin is known for his ability to recruit top talent. Under his leadership, Penn State has consistently landed highly ranked recruiting classes.

3. He is a leader: Franklin is known for his strong leadership skills both on and off the field. He is a vocal advocate for his players and is highly respected by his team.

4. He is passionate: Franklin brings a high level of energy and enthusiasm to his coaching. He is known for his fiery speeches and passionate approach to the game.

5. He is a community builder: Franklin has worked to build strong relationships with the Penn State community and is actively involved in charitable initiatives and community outreach programs.

Follow up, I then typed “James Franklin did not win three Big Ten championships at Penn State”

and the AI responded
“You are correct, I apologize for the mistake. James Franklin has won one Big Ten championship with Penn State in 2016.”
 

81BandW

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What I've come to appreciate about Franklin is how he is improving the teams, position by position. Several years back I was wishing we would improve the safety position and now look at the change. The same could be said about db's, lb's, te's, qb, ol, and special teams. Hoping DL improves and I'm sure James is aware and concentrating more on that. I've always especially enjoyed our teams that had an exciting defense, and can't wait to see this years version
 

Meat Lab

Well-known member
Oct 25, 2021
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So I asked an AI app “What is there to like about Penn state coach James Franklin”

it says


As an AI language model, I do not have personal opinions. However, here are some reasons why people like Penn State Coach James Franklin:

1. He is a successful coach: James Franklin has a strong track record of success as a coach. He led Vanderbilt to three bowl games and has won three Big Ten championships at Penn State.

2. He is a great recruiter: Franklin is known for his ability to recruit top talent. Under his leadership, Penn State has consistently landed highly ranked recruiting classes.

3. He is a leader: Franklin is known for his strong leadership skills both on and off the field. He is a vocal advocate for his players and is highly respected by his team.

4. He is passionate: Franklin brings a high level of energy and enthusiasm to his coaching. He is known for his fiery speeches and passionate approach to the game.

5. He is a community builder: Franklin has worked to build strong relationships with the Penn State community and is actively involved in charitable initiatives and community outreach programs.
 
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