James Franklin shares Penn State's defensive coordinator plan for Peach Bowl
On Dec. 7, Duke hired former Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz to be its next head coach. With Diaz out of the picture, the Nittany Lions were forced to find a new defensive play caller. Evidently, it didn’t take long for Penn State head coach James Franklin to make a decision.
“Very similar to what we’re doing on offense with Ja’Juan Seider and Ty Howle, we’ll do the same thing on defense,” Franklin said. “Coach [Anthony] Poindexter and Robb Smith will be the two guys on defense in a similar role to what we’re doing on offense.”
The promotion certainly isn’t a stretch for Poindexter, who already was listed as Penn State’s co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach. This year is Poindexter’s third with the Nittany Lions.
Smith isn’t so familiar. He joined Penn State this season after previous stints with Duke, Minneosta and Rutgers. Further, he was hired as an offensive analyst and analytics coordinator. Despite the late-season change, Franklin is confident in his staff.
“Anthony, we’ve had really good conversations,” Franklin said. “And Robb is from Pennsylvania. We have a number of people that he trusts and I trust. He’s been a defensive coordinator, so he’s got a track record. He understands our program. The culture.
“Although he was more with the offense this year [as an analyst], he has a pretty good idea of what we’re doing and that’s part of it as well. Whenever you’re able to get these type of people in your building, there is value in it.”
Massive challenge ahead of Penn State
The unlikely pair will have big shoes to fill. Diaz guided Penn State to have the No. 1 defense in the country this season, only allowing 223.2 yards per game. Of course, Ole Miss won’t be a pushover. The Rebels averaged 455.4 yards per outing during the regular season, ranking No. 15 nationally.
While Poindexter and Smith will hold down the defense against Ole Miss, Franklin is hopeful to find a more permanent solution. The 51-year-old head coach has a vision for the next DC.
“Someone who runs a similar scheme and philosophy because our current players have had a lot of success in the current system. I’ve had three defensive coordinators that have had a lot of success,” Franklin said.
“The way we run defense is not the only way you can do it. I just think there are a lot of gymnastics that go into making [a scheme] change and guys asking if they fit into the new scheme. So prefer not to do that.”
Penn State and Ole Miss will meet on Dec. 30 at noon ET in the Peach Bowl. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.