James Franklin, Pat Kraft Peach Bowl press conference: Live updates

Local media day for Penn State ahead of the Peach Bowl is on Friday. But, a formal invitation press conference is being held this morning at Beaver Stadium with Pat Kraft and James Franklin.

We will have live updates from the session, right here.

Live updates

(Page does not automatically refresh. Press conference has ended at 9:30 a.m.)

Questions in the room

On hiring DC:

Franklin: Whenever you’re hiring in leadership, anywhere. Football is unique. Some position coaches are coaching more players than other sports have on entire team. So whenever you’re making decisions of leadership on young people, it’s important. What led to that creates issues. This is an attractive position. Not just based on what Manny has done. Has been fortunate to have three defensive coordinators, all have had top 10 defenses consistently. Penn State has played really good defense for a long time.

Between school history on that side of the ball, and in their short time doing it here, have continued that.

On getting Penn State in the Peach Bowl:

Gary Stokan: Sue Paterno will be coming to the game. Similar to the Heisman, invite old coaches. So Sue will be at the game, which is special. Roots for friends, like James. Doesn’t root for programs. When you’re in the business for 45 years, can say it now, was rooting for Penn State to be a part of the game. Penn State’s brand is top five. One of the best games he’s ever been to with the white out. Loves what Penn State does with its lettermen. Having them on the field. It’s that family and why Penn State is so successful. Has done this 25 years now. Used to be responsible for picking teams. Now, don’t have any say so. Wait like the public and find out when it pops up on TV.

On how alignment takes shape in hiring:

Kraft: Lets head coaches make decisions on coaching decision. Coaches have to do their job, and that’s what it is. His role is to support in any way they can. Everyone thinks that’s financially, it’s not. But challenges coaches to think big and think differently from what was thought in the past. Helps to have football background. They’re partners in this. That’s how it works and should work. But they make the decisions. James knows his program better than anyone. 

Franklin: Speaks for football, and hopefully a lot of coaches, it feels good where you have a guy like Pat who is right there with you every step of the way. Understands what’s happening nationally and locally.

On impact to athletic program:

Kraft: It’s huge. This year in particular, going to the Peach Bowl, where they’ve never been, is very exciting. It puts you in the top 10, which is where you want to be. Gives you an opportunity to showcase brand at the highest level. Rose Bowl is tremendous opportunity to market your program. It showcases the program in a remarkable way. It elevates everything. More eyes on you, which is what everyone wants. Feel very blessed to have that.

Franklin: Unusual in 2023 to say you’re doing something for the first time, specifically at Penn State. So to be in this game is special and unique. Telling team they have a chance to do something that has never been done in college football and will never have an opportunity to be done again. National stage, great venue. Looking forward to the opportunity.

On how he’ll handle the DC spot:

Franklin: Excited for Manny at Duke. Very appreciative. Will handle it internally, similarly to offense the last few games of the season. Also working through whether they will hire an internal candidate or external candidate as they go along. Will get into more specifics as they go along.

Opening statement

Kraft: Teams have already been down to Atlanta and working with the Peach Bowl. Bowls are really special. They allow you to get more practices in. It’s a reward for student-athletes. Excited to be going to Atlanta. Since they will close out the New Year’s Six with this opportunity is incredible.

Most bowls are doing incredible things giving back to their local markets. That’s a really important part to these bowl games. Very excited. Can tell the city of Atlanta that Penn State is coming to town and you’ll see it. Will be ready to play.

Franklin: Couldn’t be more excited. Had a great practice yesterday. Loves that players get a chance to go to College Football Hall of Fame. Visiting Martin Luther King museum and church. Ton of stuff that is part of the educational experience. Great game, great week, and appreciate the invitation.