So I'm hearing it's down to

[Colt2169]

In the past 10 years, 12 FBS programs have won more games than James Franklin, which means that 123 have won fewer than he did. That's pretty good especially considering that during the first 2 years under Franklin we were still dealing with NCAA sanctions due to the scandal. If you throw those two years out and just look at the past 8 years, then we were one of the top ten winningest programs. He won a conference title and had 1 trip to the playoff semifinals. No he didn't win it all but only 7 coaches won national titles in the past 10 years. I guess if that's your idea of a paper tiger and someone who doesn't pass the "eye" test, ok.

I am not trying to say that he should or shouldn't have been fired. I just think he will be hard to replace. Let's be honest, people aren't lining up to take the job, like many thought they would. If we hire a coach who puts us in the top ten of winningest programs for the next decade, I will be happy with that.

I am pro- Franklin

I agree he was “good” in a lot of aspects including representing the University.

So I’m not trying to say he stinks when I use the analogy. It’s more like when you interview someone for a job and they have a great resume and they Ace the interview and you think they have “IT”.

And they go on to be an overall great employee - they just don’t have the “IT” factor that you thought they had and, therefore, don’t reach the heights they could attain.

I also agree he won’t be “easy” to replace but it was a decision that had to be made.

Maybe the next person won’t have “It” either, but we are in a different world and we have to play in that world now.

 

[LionsAndBears]

I am pro- Franklin

I agree he was “good” in a lot of aspects including representing the University.

So I’m not trying to say he stinks when I use the analogy. It’s more like when you interview someone for a job and they have a great resume and they Ace the interview and you think they have “IT”.

And they go on to be an overall great employee - they just don’t have the “IT” factor that you thought they had and, therefore, don’t reach the heights they could attain.

I also agree he won’t be “easy” to replace but it was a decision that had to be made.

Maybe the next person won’t have “It” either, but we are in a different world and we have to play in that world now.

Same...I liked Franklin and think he's a good coach. I think he was a great representative of PSU but it became clear we were never going to win it all with him and we're not a program that should settle. It was time to cut bait.

 

[LB99]

It isn't going to be anybody who isn't a HC and is not power-4.

That narrows the list quite a bit then.

 

[1995PSUGrad]

How do you know people aren’t lining up to take the job? 99.9% of what you hear is speculation or rumor and no head coach is taking the job in the middle of the

I do believe that Meyer wanted the job but was turned down. I think that if people were lining up then we would have a coach right now. A few years ago Brian Kelly left Notre Dame just before the playoff, so if someone really wanted the job that badly and it was offered to them, they wouldn't wait until the end of the season for someone else to take it.

 

[WaffleShopper]

I do believe that Meyer wanted the job but was turned down. I think that if people were lining up then we would have a coach right now. A few years ago Brian Kelly left Notre Dame just before the playoff, so if someone really wanted the job that badly and it was offered to them, they wouldn't wait until the end of the season for someone else to take it.

It’s early November not December. Most of the head coaches on these lists either will make the playoffs or have a chance to make them. There are bonus incentives and pride and 100 other reasons to stay until the end of the season.

To be perfectly honest if there is a head coach out there who would leave his team in the middle of the season during a playoff run he is a POS and I don’t want him.

 

[ConcealedCarry]

In the past 10 years, 12 FBS programs have won more games than James Franklin, which means that 123 have won fewer than he did. That's pretty good especially considering that during the first 2 years under Franklin we were still dealing with NCAA sanctions due to the scandal. If you throw those two years out and just look at the past 8 years, then we were one of the top ten winningest programs. He won a conference title and had 1 trip to the playoff semifinals. No he didn't win it all but only 7 coaches won national titles in the past 10 years. I guess if that's your idea of a paper tiger and someone who doesn't pass the "eye" test, ok.

I am not trying to say that he should or shouldn't have been fired. I just think he will be hard to replace. Let's be honest, people aren't lining up to take the job, like many thought they would. If we hire a coach who puts us in the top ten of winningest programs for the next decade, I will be happy with that.

Franklin should have been fired after the 0-5 START in 2020.

 

[Corner Room Breakfast]

With all due respect, PSU had stability and they weren’t satisfied. If stability is the benchmark, they made a big mistake. The goal was to get over the hump, not stability, or so that’s what everyone claim

Something happened from Beau transferring, the ND loss, Seider taking a (similar) job ? add the lack luster
3 opening game performances, the stability of the program became noticeable. Just my 2 cents.

 

[LB99]

Something happened from Beau transferring, the ND loss, Seider taking a (similar) job ? add the lack luster
3 opening game performances, the stability of the program became noticeable. Just my 2 cents.

I’m not saying there wasn’t a change, but many programs go through a dry patch and work their way out of it. Up until recently, PSU was one of the most stable programs in the country. Consistent 10+ win seasons, high profile bowl games, good draft picks etc. Somewhere along the way, we decided that wasn’t good enough and Franklin wasn’t going to be given a chance to turn it around. It’s a gamble. Time will tell if it pays off.

 

[psuno1]

I’m not saying there wasn’t a change, but many programs go through a dry patch and work their way out of it. Up until recently, PSU was one of the most stable programs in the country. Consistent 10+ win seasons, high profile bowl games, good draft picks etc. Somewhere along the way, we decided that wasn’t good enough and Franklin wasn’t going to be given a chance to turn it around. It’s a gamble. Time will tell if it pays off.

Tough time to go through a dry patch when your spose to win a National Tile or at least make the playoff.

 

[WVilleLion23]

Franklin should have been fired after the 0-5 START in 2020.

Wrong

 

[KingLando]

I’m not saying there wasn’t a change, but many programs go through a dry patch and work their way out of it. Up until recently, PSU was one of the most stable programs in the country. Consistent 10+ win seasons, high profile bowl games, good draft picks etc. Somewhere along the way, we decided that wasn’t good enough and Franklin wasn’t going to be given a chance to turn it around. It’s a gamble. Time will tell if it pays off.

There's no such thing as a high profile bowl game with a playoff.

Everything in life is a gamble. Keeping him would have been as while. Clemson has the same issue with Dabo.

 

[LB99]

Tough time to go through a dry patch when your spose to win a National Tile or at least make the playoff.

Trust me. I get it. But it’s also a tough time to be firing a coach and with every new coach fired the hiring process gets even harder.

 

[LB99]

Franklin should have been fired after the 0-5 START in 2020.

Ok. We can play that game. Paterno should have been fired after the Toledo game. Or the 6-4 game. Or at the conclusion of the 1999 debacle. Or after the embarrassing loss at home to Michigan in 1997. Or after the embarrassing loss at Michigan State in 1997. Or at any point during the 2000, 2001, 2003, or 2004 seasons. Or after the lackluster bowl loss to Auburn in 2002 when LJ Jr publicly blasted the coaching staff for being too predictable and vanilla. Should I type it in bold like a toddler having a temper tantrum and pretending that makes it mean more?

 

[MacNit]

It's Elko's job if he wants it...
I'm sure some people are just making stuff up. That's normal. And insiders can also have misinformation but those that know are saying Kraft wants Elko and is giving him time to consider it. Hartline, Brohm and others are in the mix.
I don't believe Eli is realistic at this time. He might be in Baton Rouge soon...

Who are those that know?

Or are you making that up?

 

[KingLando]

Who are those that know?

Or are you making that up?

That information is known by many. I couldn't care less what you think. The obsession grows...

 

[MacNit]

Andy Frank

Could he not work w/ Urban?

 

[PaForest75]

Seems like Diaz might be it. Of course I first believed Rhule would get it. I don't think Urban wanted to ever coach again anywhere.

 

[KingLando]

Seems like Diaz might be it. Of course I first believed Rhule would get it. I don't think Urban wanted to ever coach again anywhere.

I don't see any way Manny gets this job
Don't think either side is interested

 

[PSUSignore]

At one point you’re going to be posting that Manny Diaz is getting the job. I am convinced that will happen. It’s a very PSU thing to do to go with familiarity and stability.
He’s not a Kiffin or Kirby Smart level coach at this point, but he would be good for 9 or 10 wins every year at PSU, and I think he has the potential to achieve more than Franklin.

Was O'Brien familiar? Was Franklin?

 

[Rudy4526]

Same...I liked Franklin and think he's a good coach. I think he was a great representative of PSU but it became clear we were never going to win it all with him and we're not a program that should settle. It was time to cut bait.

I don't see any way Manny gets this job
Don't think either side is interested

so Elko or Hartline?

 

[Fred8811]

I am pro- Franklin

I agree he was “good” in a lot of aspects including representing the University.

So I’m not trying to say he stinks when I use the analogy. It’s more like when you interview someone for a job and they have a great resume and they Ace the interview and you think they have “IT”.

And they go on to be an overall great employee - they just don’t have the “IT” factor that you thought they had and, therefore, don’t reach the heights they could attain.

I also agree he won’t be “easy” to replace but it was a decision that had to be made.

Maybe the next person won’t have “It” either, but we are in a different world and we have to play in that world now.

It was time for change.

 

[Chumboshifko1]

Franklin equalled a mattress with springs coming through.

 

[WestSideLion]

Franklin should have been fired after the 0-5 START in 2020.

Or after the 7-5 collapse the following season. But Penn State doesn’t operate like that. They get swindled into giving him an historically bad contract extension. (Facepalm)

 

[Fred8811]

Interesting guy, he'd be a HUGE gamble. Assumption>Holy Cross>James Madison>Penn State? Complete unknown as a recruiter. OSU did something similar with Jim Tressel.

Huge yes.
But interesting.
Look at Lombardi history.

 

[PaForest75]

I don't see any way Manny gets this job
Don't think either side is interested

So it really will be Kenny Chesney? Damn, maybe there was no way at all to turn this mess around. I still think even Chesney could win a conference game if he doesn't retain Kotelnicki. Can't win with at least one guaranteed 20 yard loss trick play per game.

 

[KingLando]

so Elko or Hartline?

There's others in play...some I like...some I don't but right now it's all in on Elko

 

[Rudy4526]

There's others in play...some I like...some I don't but right now it's all in on Elko

Gotcha, we wait to see what he decides. I ask you who the others are big It appears it depends on Elko’s move

 

[WaffleShopper]

Who are those that know?

Or are you making that up?

A month from now:

“Yeah Elko didn’t want it. To some of us it was pretty obvious.”

 

[KingLando]

A month from now:

“Yeah Elko didn’t want it. To some of us it was pretty obvious.”

What is obvious? It's honestly ridiculous how little people seem to comprehend about how contracts work and how these discussions go. Elko has legit interest. His wife wants to move back to the northeast. Elko has genuine concerns about the future at A&M. A&M was never a destination job for him but a stepping stone. He'll do what is best for his family.

Just like I said they had no interest in Cignetti and Rhule from the beginning. Cignetti's agent was smart. Rhule desperately wanted the role but we has zero interest.

You're right...some of this should be obvious but alas...

 

[KingLando]

Gotcha, we wait to see what he decides. I ask you who the others are big It appears it depends on Elko’s move

As of now, it's Hartline. I'd be shocked if it's anyone other than those two with the exception of Urban. I just don't believe he's truly interested. Just likes knowing he's wanted.

 

[MacNit]

Yeah, Elko seems kind of like a 3/4 scale Ralph Friedgen. Drinkwitz or Diaz would be all right. I would prefer Diaz, but at least Drinkwitz could be entertaining if nothing else. I just hope he doesn't say obviously or that he gets it. Any other phrase to explain sucking is better than those.

What is entertaining about Drink?

 

[MacNit]

Wrong

Right

 

[MacNit]

That information is known by many. I couldn't care less what you think. The obsession grows...

Who said you should care. What are the sources?

 

[NittanyBuff]

No not everyone could pull top talent into osu .... and on top of it he actually develops it. Imagine that such a novel idea that the coaching staff at PSU has failed to do ever... including with many 4 and 5 star recruits. 2 sides to the WVU story... ask them now if they would take Hartline. That place is a larger dumpster fire than PSU and that is saying something. How is doing calling plays this season? He shredded PSU and every team they have played. I am sure you will find an excuse that he doesn't deserve any credit. He has relationships with all the high school coaches that PSU recruits and players. He develops top NFL players consistently every year. What exactly has Campbell done? You are the one who is clueless. He Has Done Nothing... he wins 7 or 8 games a year. He couldn't even beat a battered ASU team playing tons of back ups last week. He lost to Colorado this year which is a team in full mutiny against Dion. He is another Franklin, if I want to win 8 games a year and continue to lose to OSU, Michigan and Oregon they should have just kept big game James. Hell Campbell lost to the Ohio Bobcats in '23. No thanks ... Hard Pass. I don't want Franklin part 2.

Comparing Apples and Oranges, give Campbell PSU $ and guarantee he's winning 9+ yearly. Hartline gets credit, think you are giving him way too much though, but I honestly haven't seen his name mentioned anywhere but Penn State.

 

[Chumboshifko1]

Agonizing over speculation.

 

[PSU4U]

Same...I liked Franklin and think he's a good coach. I think he was a great representative of PSU but it became clear we were never going to win it all with him and we're not a program that should settle. It was time to cut bait.

Ditto, but while he was a great mouthpiece for the university, and I appreciated the things he gave lip service to I didn't see much evidence of that in the community by him or his wife.

 

[PSU4U]

But does Pat Kraft? He likely wouldn’t survive firing Franklin and then having a Chesney hire not work out. The fair weather fans would turn on him fast.

Or a Hartline or any of the other low hanging fruit that would be a big risk.

By most people's assessments Kraft is still swinging for the fences, but a lot of factors discussed on this board ad nauseam that can make for some big swings and misses. However, the Elko even though a huge longshot, that offer will be on the table right up until the time someone else takes the job.

IMO the field has been narrowed significantly and is probably down to two maybe three coaches. They will continue to kick the tires on a number of candidates even lower candidates as fallback plans.

The thing we don't know is are they willing or can Kraft afford to drag this out until after the year waiting on the homerun then possibly letting a Key type of guy get swooped up by an Auburn LSU FL or someone else only to have the homerun say no at the end.

 

[Chumboshifko1]

It's down to speculation.

 

[JWB389]

As of now, it's Hartline. I'd be shocked if it's anyone other than those two with the exception of Urban. I just don't believe he's truly interested. Just likes knowing he's wanted.

I think Urban’s out. He’s publicly endorsing Hartline. I agree though, it will be Hartline.

 

[Bwifan]

I think Urban’s out. He’s publicly endorsing Hartline. I agree though, it will be Hartline.

It's kinda funny watching these betting odds move up and down. No one has idea who is being talked to behind the scenes and which coaches are advancing in the interview process... IMHO Elko will be in the discussion but comes down if he really wants the PSU job. aTm will have plenty of money if not more than PSU to offer him. Brohm I would like but think it will be a tough draw to get him to leave Louisville. Hartline is ready and with Urban pushing and endorsing him saying he is ready for a HC position I still think the odds favor Hartline to PSU at this point. Possible Dirk and Key but to me it seems like Hartline at this point.