Why James Franklin is a Great Hire for Many Big Programs in Need of Rebuild

After Penn State made the decision to fire James Franklin, stomaching a reported $49 million buyout to do so, the university's future and its coveted vacancy took center stage once the shock of the decision wore off. As the day wore on and the conversation evolved, however, a new unexpected conclusion started to manifest.

The program that hires Franklin to be its next head coach will be thrilled that it did.

It might seem like an odd time to make such a declaration. The three-game losing streak, including an embarrassing loss to Northwestern, is still fresh and the disappointment of a year that began with legitimate national championship aspirations still ripe.

One could also easily point to the narrative that ultimately ended Franklin's tenure, and data supports Franklin's inability to beat elite teams. Franklin finished with a 1-10 record against Ohio State and a 1-18 record against Big Ten teams ranked inside the top 10. In 11 years, he finished with only one conference title.

These are real results that cannot be overlooked. It will also be a prolonged talking point in any interview he takes moving forward.

However, it would be unfair to summarize Franklin's tenure in Happy Valley by these results alone. When he took over as coach in 2014, the program was still in a complete rebuild following Joe Paterno's firing and the Sandusky scandal that blanketed the university.

Bill O'Brien certainly took significant strides to stabilize the program before departing. Franklin, however, took O'Brien's incredible work to an entirely different stratosphere, restoring Penn State's status among college football's elite.

Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Terry Smith, who was named interim head coach of the program on Sunday, had this to say when asked about Franklin, who he has worked with since 2014.

"He took us out of a dark era and got us to be a relevant program again," Smith said. "And we don't take that for granted."

He navigated COVID. He learned and adapted with NIL and the transfer portal. He also won plenty, finishing his Penn State tenure with a record of 104-45. In the past three-plus seasons, including his disappointing 3-3 start, the Nittany Lions were 37-11.

Previously, he guided Vanderbilt to consecutive nine-win seasons. As a result of his efforts, he was given a much bigger position, and he did an admirable job leading Penn State across more than a decade.

In a vacuum, it's easy to see this firing and draw dramatic conclusions based on what Franklin was unable to accomplish along with the outcomes over one month. But in totality, he delivered. And he clearly had the support of current and former players, many of whom took to social media to express a deep appreciation for their former coach.

Franklin has proven himself fit to lead a program, and he will likely have ample opportunities to do so. In fact, he will likely be motivated to coach based on his buyout.

According to Front Office Sports, Franklin is required to seek employment as a coach or broadcaster. Essentially, Penn State would owe the difference of whatever salary Franklin earns in the position he ultimately lands in.

For potentially interested teams, this could mean that Franklin could come at a slight bargain. And given the number of programs looking for—and soon-to-be-looking-for—a head coach, Franklin's name will likely be quite popular.

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Schools like Virginia Tech, Arkansas and UCLA would be enormously fortunate to have Franklin as its coach. As would Wisconsin or Maryland, two jobs that could ultimately open, if and when that time comes.

Franklin has a track record of elevating a football program from its current standing, which is something so many teams are in dire need of. He's also operated well in the modern, chaotic climate of the sport, having gracefully managed NIL and the transfer portal in meaningful ways.

These traits, more than anything, give him an advantage against pretty much any other viable candidate outside of a select few. He's helped author multiple rebuilds, which is where many teams searching for a coach will start at. After all, they're looking for a new program leader for a reason.

The majority of the college football programs around the country aren't genuinely worried about beating Ohio State. Let's be honest. They'll say otherwise, of course, talking about winning conference championships and competing for national titles.

Those are quotes for press releases and press conferences. Most teams know deep down that regularly beating teams like Ohio State and Alabama are not in the cards. Instead, they're focused on long-term stability and prolonged years of reasonable success.

For many teams in the market for these qualities, look no further. A surprise candidate to lead your program has suddenly appeared. Regardless of the last few weeks, the competition for his services will likely be fierce.

Wait too long, and it'll probably be too late.