A key Penn State football analyst is no longer with the Lions as spring practice continues
A multi-year member of the Penn State support staff is no longer with the program as spring practice continues. Frank Leonard, who joined head coach James Franklin’s staff as an analyst before spring ball started in 2022, is retiring, a Penn State spokesperson told Blue-White Illustrated.
Leonard was recognizable to plenty of Penn State fans despite working in the analysts’ department. He was routinely one of the most passionate staffers before and during games. Leonard assisted Phil Trautwein with the offensive line. The duo previously worked together at Boston College.
“He’s such a good dude,” Trautwein told The Reading Eagle in 2024. “When you first meet him, you think this guy’s an awesome guy. He has high energy. Then when you see him coach, you think, this guy’s a maniac in a good way.
“He’s just so loyal. He does it in a loving way. Everybody knows he’ll do anything for anybody. That’s who he is and that’s why he’s here.”
Less than a month ago, during a wide-ranging update of staff titles, Leonard was elevated to the role of associate offensive line coach. His relationship with Franklin dates back to their time together at Kansas State.
More: Penn State Photos: Incoming transfers and January enrollees spotted at first spring practice
“James is a smart son of a gun,” Leonard told The Reading Eagle in 2024. “I always knew he was an excellent football coach. He’s a really, really intelligent guy. I say that with all sincerity. The guy is a very, very sharp person. And he’s a good person.
“I think people look at me as maybe one of his right-hand men, a confidant, a consigliere. I really don’t care how people take this; I’m just a huge fan of his. He’s very loyal to me and I’m very loyal to him.”
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Despite Leonard moving on, Trautwein will continue to have help leading the offensive line. Staff members working underneath him now include graduate assistant Kevin Ceh and assistant offensive line coach Bill Queisert.
Penn State continues spring practice this week. It concludes its 15 days of drills with the Blue-White game on April 26. It starts at 2 p.m. ET. And, it will not be on TV.
“Getting into spring ball, just briefly, obviously we have some new and moving parts that we’re working through, so these 15 practices will be very, very important,” Franklin said Tuesday. “We had a really good winter workout period. I think the guys are in a really good place. Been very, very pleased how the staff has handled some of the adjustments. It’s been a grind, as you know. Just like on offense, the time we have to spend on defense get everybody on the same page, staff first, players second, has been good.
“There is still a ton of work that has to be done during spring ball and over to summer the training period before we open the season up against Nevada. So look forward to answering your questions and open up for questions.”
