Former Penn State head coach James Franklin has appeared in multiple conversations as teams search for their new head coach. Following a surprising loss to the Northwestern Wildcats, Penn State parted ways with its head coach, who is currently hunting a new job.
Florida fell to 2-4 overall and 1-2 in SEC play two weeks ago after a loss to Texas A&M. A week later, after a victory against Mississippi State, the Gators decided to move on from head coach Billy Napier, who became the next head coach to lose his job a week after Franklin.
Florida Gators Doors Close for James Franklin
Recently appearing on “Crane and Company.” ON3 Sports’ Pete Nakos gave an update on the ongoing head coach search at Florida. During this interview, he revealed the potential top 3 candidates for the job. And quite surprisingly, Franklin was not among them.
“Well, Florida fans and donors want the modern-day Steve Spurrier; that’s what you get with Lane Kiffin or Eli Drinkwitz. Beyond those guys, though, I mean, you know, Jedd Fisch was a grad assistant on Spurrier’s staff. I think they want a sitting Power Four head coach.”
Spurrier became the head coach at his alma mater, Florida, in 1990, compiling a 122-27-1 record over 12 seasons. They won one national championship over rivals Florida State, as well as six conference titles.
One of the names mentioned by Nakos was Lane Kiffin, who has emerged as one of the favorites for the job. Ole Miss is 50-19 since the head coach took over in 2020, while Florida has posted a record of 36-34 in that same span.
“I know that’s your guys’ job to bring it up and all that. We don’t really talk about it. Like, if we’re around there, you wouldn’t know any different or anything.” Kiffin told the media when questioned about the current coaching carousel.
Jedd Fisch, head coach of the Washington Huskies, was also named as an option. In his second season as head coach, Fisch is 11-9 at Washington and 28-31 overall. He also attended the University of Florida and was a graduate assistant to Spurrier.
“I’m not going to address any coaching changes or coaching rumors or anything to that effect. I’ve learned the most important thing we can do here is be where our feet are.” Fisch shared recently, although that wasn’t a denial.
Top ACC Program Reportedly Interested In James Franklin.
With Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz also rounding out the top 3 names, it looks like the Gators may have potentially moved past Franklin. Yet, according to the ON3 reporter, there are currently plenty of programs interested in the former Nittany Lions head coach.
“In terms of James Franklin. I mean, outside of maybe Florida and a couple of SEC jobs that opened this cycle. I think he’s going to be the top name on every board. Virginia Tech wants James Franklin.” Nakos revealed that the Hokies are interested in Franklin.
The suggestion comes as the Virginia Tech Hokies are in the market for a new leader after firing coach Brent Pry following a 0-3 start to the season. Pry reached a bowl game in 2023, but a mediocre season followed by a disastrous start to 2024 ultimately cost him his job.
According to PFSN’s playoff meter, the team is projected to miss a bowl game by a wide margin, with predictions of only three more wins and seven losses, including matchups against two ranked teams.
“Virginia Tech has never been better positioned to compete at the highest levels of the ACC and nationally. This committee brings star power, experience, and a true passion for Virginia Tech,” athletic director Whit Babcock revealed.
Virginia Tech’s goals of competing at a national level closely fit with what Franklin announced he was looking for in his next job. During his interview on “ESPN’s College Gameday.” The former Penn State head coach shared what he’s looking for.
“I thought we were going to win a national championship there. That goal hasn’t changed. We’re now going to win a national championship somewhere else.” Franklin explained a statement that led to contrasting responses from fans.
With an amount of funding and investment that rivals even Penn State’s and a history of National Title-winning seasons, Florida would have been one of the most attractive destinations for Franklin, but as it stands, that door has shut.
Come to Iowa you’d b a good fit for Iowa
Its all about race
Always, lol
As a lifelong PSU fan, I was stunned when he said after being hired “my goal is to be the 1st black head coach to win a national championship”. REALLY?
Agree