What is Penn State football coach James Franklin hoping for in the Lions' next athletic director?
STATE COLLEGE — Penn State head football coach James Franklin will not pick the university’s next athletic director. But, he knows what qualities he’d like that person to have.
Speaking on the penultimate Wednesday of spring practice here just outside of Holuba Hall, the ninth-year leader of the Nittany Lions weighed in on what he’d like to see from the person who replaces retiring Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Sandy Barbour later this summer.
“I would say bold and aggressive is something that I think is really important,” Franklin said.
It all goes back to alignment
Franklin has often talked about the need for everyone at Penn State, from the fan base to those within his program to the athletic department and university at large, to be aligned. That covers everything from admissions to name image, and likeness, facility needs, more money for staff, and everything in between.
Barbour came to Penn State shortly after Franklin did back in 2014. They have worked together throughout their tenures. But, back in March, Barbour announced she’d be retiring later this year. Now, the school is searching for her replacement, and Franklin is undoubtedly pushing a familiar word of his, alignment, to the decision-makers.
“I think a really good understanding nationally,” Franklin said. “And again, I can only speak for football, right? But, a really good understanding about what we’re truly competing against week in and week out.”
“And then the ability to maybe get some things done from a policy and procedure standpoint on campus that don’t affect or impact the university but could have a significant impact on athletics and specifically football, to streamline some things. Maybe be a little bit less bureaucratic with some things. That kind of goes back to the alignment thing that I’ve said before.”
How will Penn State select its next athletic director?
It’s a pivotal time for Penn State. Neeli Bendapudi will replace current university president Eric Barron in May. One of her biggest initial tasks will be heading up the search for Barbour’s replacement. A search firm, TurnkeyZRG, is helping vet candidates, and the school said in late March that more information would be forthcoming about the process.
“The University will seek a visionary leader to uphold the Nittany Lions’ demonstrated tradition of excellence on and off the field and support the continued development of our students, coaches and staff,” Bendapudi said in a released statement.
Penn State plans to have its new athletic director in place by July 1. The Lions open the football season on Sept. 1 at Purdue.
