James Franklin reveals why he coaches college football, not NFL

For all but one year of his coaching career, James Franklin has been a college head coach. Franklin worked as the Green Bay Packers wide receiver coach in 2005 but instantly stepped away from the NFL in favor of college. Since then, Franklin has ascended up the ranks and is currently the Penn State head coach.

Franklin explained why he has stayed away from the NFL for all these years, citing the relationships he has built with players. Yes, wins and losses matter at the college level but Franklin is looking to help his guys grow during the journey to the professionals. It’s paid off in a big way so far for him.

“This is a relationship business,” Franklin said. “You’re trying to help young people grow and evolve along their journey. If it was just about wins and losses, you would go coach in the NFL. You’re coaching in college football to make a difference in people’s lives. Obviously, those are the things that you really take with you.

“Whether you’re being invited to Trace McSorley’s wedding this past summer or going to a guy’s graduation. There’s just so many examples of guys going on and doing really good things… So, at the end of the day, it’s about relationships and watching these guys achieve their dreams.”

For most players in college football, their dream is eventually reaching the NFL. Penn State has seen plenty of their guys drafted into the league since Franklin took over. Running back Saquon Barkley and linebacker Micah Parsons have been two of the best — endorsing Franklin once out of Happy Valley.

More than relationships with current players matter for college coaches too. A ton of recruits value the bond they have with potential head coaches. Franklin has proven time and again with Penn State recruiting that they matter.

James Franklin spends one season in NFL with Packers

Franklin did spend one season in the NFL with Green Bay and it was likely a miserable one. The Packers finished a horrid 4-12 in the final season of head coach Mike Sherman. In a season where Franklin was coaching wide receivers, there were struggles throughout the roster.

Donald Driver was Franklin’s shining light, going for 1,221 yards but just five touchdowns. No other receiver went over 600 yards for the Packers and Brett Favre threw nearly 30 interceptions.

A tough season like that will do it to you, meaning Franklin will likely never leave the college game again.