Arkansas or Virginia Tech

[Itraindogs]

Agreed Virginia Tech but if I'm him then I'm holding out for a big time job. He's being paid well. Arkansas would be a disaster for James with that schedule. He should work in TV until the right job is available. Neither of those are good.

Maybe, but I do not think his DNA allows him to do this. 1, I think he is burning to prove PSU wrong, because he is ultra-competitive. 2. I think he is deeply loyal (to a fault) so I think he will factoring in assistants and staff to bring with him. Its not only he who is losing a job, but all the people he has recruited to PSU.

As for big time jobs. This year has Florida, LSU, Auburn, these are as big as they come. Arkansas is terrible destination, but still in the SEC. Virginia Tech is a fall back program that really wants him, is in his recruiting footprint and in a conference that he can be competitive pretty quickly, especially if he brings several blue-chip players with him from Penn State.

I think he goes to Virginia Tech

 

[KingLando]

No big program wants him. Florida? No. LSU? No Auburn? Small possibility but I would say No. His best bet could be FSU but they may very well not want him either if Norvell is canned.

The reality is that people see he could not get it done at PSU. He had resources, money, support, etc. These big time programs don't want a guy who can't get them to elite status. Even Auburn, if they really think about it, why do they want a guy who will lose to Bama and Georgia every year?

His best bet in my opinion is FSU. He can talk a good game to them about some BS misalignment in the PSU admin and lack of support or whatever crap he and Sexton concoct. Then he could convince them he can win ACC championships which probably is true. Then he has to hope they buy the fact that in the playoff he could actually win a big game or two. He won't but maybe their wishful thinking will cloud their decision making.

Then he sits out for a year and works in TV. There's no desperation to take a role.

 

[Itraindogs]

Doubt it unless the $ is substantially more than VT. Recruiting at Arkansas would be much more difficult and the schedule much harder. His agent Sexton is probably putting to full court press on VT.

Yes, I think the delay is Sexton playing suitors against each other. I also wonder if there are any other suitors in the mix (UCLA?}.

 

[KingLando]

Maybe, but I do not think his DNA allows him to do this. 1, I think he is burning to prove PSU wrong, because he is ultra-competitive. 2. I think he is deeply loyal (to a fault) so I think he will factoring in assistants and staff to bring with him. Its not only he who is losing a job, but all the people he has recruited to PSU.

As for big time jobs. This year has Florida, LSU, Auburn, these are as big as they come. Arkansas is terrible destination, but still in the SEC. Virginia Tech is a fall back program that really wants him, is in his recruiting footprint and in a conference that he can be competitive pretty quickly, especially if he brings several blue-chip players with him from Penn State.

I think he goes to Virginia Tech

But how does going to VA Tech help prove Penn State wront? He's not winning a title there and it proves that no one at all thinks he can.

 

[Itraindogs]

For the few times I met and spoke with James, the one driving force I saw in him was to win a NC. Do you people really think he would take a step back for either the VT or Ark job, I don't. In this cycle, the best choices for that are FL and LSU. I could see him maybe at LSU who have all the resources available to do in 1-2 yrs. Otherwise, wouldn't be surprised if he waits for better choices next year.

I think he is more realistic. If he is not getting any bites with UF or LSU this year he will need to rehab his brand. I think VT gives him the best chance to do so,

 

[Itraindogs]

FSU when it opens I think. Boom or bust.

After Taggart and Norvell FSU boosters will not bite on Franklin.

 

[Itraindogs]

Then why coach? He can work in TV and collect a check from us.
If he takes a job at that level he's setting himself up to fail

Not at all. Why would he fail at Virginia Tech? 1. Easier conference; 2. He is ultra competitive and 3. He wants to prove PSU wrong.

 

[Itraindogs]

Then he sits out for a year and works in TV. There's no desperation to take a role.

James will see this as a massive personal failure. TV he sees in his future when he is 60+ not at the prime of his coaching career.

Settling for TV would be a loser mentality. You might think he cannot go to Virginia Tech, win the conference and go to the playoffs, but I assure you that is not what he thinks.

 

[PSUForever]

Then he sits out for a year and works in TV. There's no desperation to take a role.

That's fine but if his aspirations are a big time program he may never get an offer. UCLA could be interested but again he would lose to USC every year and Oregon, etc.

 

[Nittering Nabob]

Why would he fail at Virginia Tech?

Because he's actually not a very good football coach.

 

[PSUForever]

Not at all. Why would he fail at Virginia Tech? 1. Easier conference; 2. He is ultra competitive and 3. He wants to prove PSU wrong.

What is he going to do there to prove his PSU detractors wrong? Hopefully you don't think he will win a NC at Va Tech because there is not a snowball's chance in hell that happens. He could squeak them into the playoffs and if all the stars align they could get to the quarters one year but that is his limit.

I will say this, as far as PSU is concerned, we better get a coach who can protect and grow our Mid Atlantic recruiting footprint. With Franklin at Va Tech he has the potential to be a pesky guy to recruit against.

 

[WVilleLion23]

Maybe, but I do not think his DNA allows him to do this. 1, I think he is burning to prove PSU wrong, because he is ultra-competitive. 2. I think he is deeply loyal (to a fault) so I think he will factoring in assistants and staff to bring with him. Its not only he who is losing a job, but all the people he has recruited to PSU.

As for big time jobs. This year has Florida, LSU, Auburn, these are as big as they come. Arkansas is terrible destination, but still in the SEC. Virginia Tech is a fall back program that really wants him, is in his recruiting footprint and in a conference that he can be competitive pretty quickly, especially if he brings several blue-chip players with him from Penn State.

I think he goes to Virginia Tech

Arkansas is terrible destination? That part of Arkansas is very similar to State College with mountains, etc. Ozarks not far away. Beautiful in spring and fall. Gainesville is blahhhhhh.

I think he selects Arkansas.

 

[PaForest75]

Why would he take either mid-tier job? I'm not understanding the logic

If you're Franklin why wouldn't you hold out for a job equity to Penn State?

I'm not understanding why you would even coach at all if you already will get $50 million to just stay home.

If he coaches somewhere else, it will end up worse than it was this year. I am not a Franklin hater or anything, he's nice enough probably, but come on, all contenders in this conference were begging Penn State to keep him so they could keep beating him in the big games. I think he would be good as a recruiter, but coaching the game and instilling any kind of discipline, not going to happen.

 

[Marshall2323]

Where was his roster development here lol?

Yep not like he ever won 13, 11,10 games or finished in the top 10. Also, he put practically no one in the NFL.
Franklin is nothing without the Penn State infrastructure propping him up.

 

[Marshall2323]

What about Duke after Penn State hires Diaz? Not that I want Diaz, but he has decent odds to get the job. And Duke is kind of like Vanderbilt. Might be better for him. I think VT and Arkansas are places to go be a rented mule for a couple years and then be chopped up into dog food really.

Didn't Diaz just lose to UConn?

 

[DaytonRickster]

For the few times I met and spoke with James, the one driving force I saw in him was to win a NC. Do you people really think he would take a step back for either the VT or Ark job, I don't. In this cycle, the best choices for that are FL and LSU. I could see him maybe at LSU who have all the resources available to do in 1-2 yrs. Otherwise, wouldn't be surprised if he waits for better choices next year.

Understand, but the choices for the purpose of this thread were VT & Arkansas.

 

[PaForest75]

Didn't Diaz just lose to UConn?

Yeah, but they're 7-3 playing some kind of independent schedule of cupcakes. Still it's a terrible loss for Duke, but every coach on the list now except Elko has some bad losses. Brohm lost to Cal. Drinkwitz got stomped. Somebody has to be picked. Almost makes me think if Terry Smith had pulled out the W last Saturday he may have gotten the job. No way on it now.

Diaz might be the man to catch this hot potato. Then Franklin could go to Duke and try to make them the next Vanderbilt.

 

[KingLando]

Not at all. Why would he fail at Virginia Tech? 1. Easier conference; 2. He is ultra competitive and 3. He wants to prove PSU wrong.

He's not contending for a title a VA Tech

 

[KingLando]

James will see this as a massive personal failure. TV he sees in his future when he is 60+ not at the prime of his coaching career.

Settling for TV would be a loser mentality. You might think he cannot go to Virginia Tech, win the conference and go to the playoffs, but I assure you that is not what he thinks.

Cowher is a loser?
Making the playoff at VA Tech doesn't prove anyone wrong

 

[KingLando]

That's fine but if his aspirations are a big time program he may never get an offer. UCLA could be interested but again he would lose to USC every year and Oregon, etc.

And he's going to lose to top tier programs at any program. He's never beating ND at VA Tech for example

 

[Headlock]

There are more issues to CJF's next job than just getting paid and winning. He and family will live where he coaches. Proximity to national media and contacts will be important. He will need resources and, at the outset, will get them but then the hard work starts. If it doesn't go well, will he feel isolated? Right now, his agent is playing the folks at interested schools against each other to get the best deal. My best guess is he will coach next season but not at VT or Arkansas.

 

[KingLando]

I'm not understanding why you would even coach at all if you already will get $50 million to just stay home.

If he coaches somewhere else, it will end up worse than it was this year. I am not a Franklin hater or anything, he's nice enough probably, but come on, all contenders in this conference were begging Penn State to keep him so they could keep beating him in the big games. I think he would be good as a recruiter, but coaching the game and instilling any kind of discipline, not going to happen.

Agreed...I'd take an elite job but not just any job

 

[DaytonRickster]

What is he going to do there to prove his PSU detractors wrong? Hopefully you don't think he will win a NC at Va Tech because there is not a snowball's chance in hell that happens. He could squeak them into the playoffs and if all the stars align they could get to the quarters one year but that is his limit.

I will say this, as far as PSU is concerned, we better get a coach who can protect and grow our Mid Atlantic recruiting footprint. With Franklin at Va Tech he has the potential to be a pesky guy to recruit against.

I agree with your last paragraph. The next PSU coach must be able to protect and grow the DMV recruiting.

 

[Phlebitis]

Yes, I think the delay is Sexton playing suitors against each other. I also wonder if there are any other suitors in the mix (UCLA?}.

I’ve been wondering why UCLA hasn’t been a leader In these discussions. I guess they couldn’t have been too impressed with what they saw close up a few weeks ago though.

 

[Ludd]

Yeah, but they're 7-3 playing some kind of independent schedule of cupcakes. Still it's a terrible loss for Duke, but every coach on the list now except Elko has some bad losses. Brohm lost to Cal. Drinkwitz got stomped. Somebody has to be picked. Almost makes me think if Terry Smith had pulled out the W last Saturday he may have gotten the job. No way on it now.

Diaz might be the man to catch this hot potato. Then Franklin could go to Duke and try to make them the next Vanderbilt.

Wow, coaches lose to teams they shouldn’t? Who would’ve thought that? Amazing…I thought that only happened to Franklin.

 

[DaytonRickster]

I’ve been wondering why UCLA hasn’t been a leader In these discussions. I guess they couldn’t have been too impressed with what they saw close up a few weeks ago though.

Maybe they are going to stay with Tim Skipper? I don't think their $ situation is robust.

 

[Ludd]

I'm not understanding why you would even coach at all if you already will get $50 million to just stay home.

If he coaches somewhere else, it will end up worse than it was this year. I am not a Franklin hater or anything, he's nice enough probably, but come on, all contenders in this conference were begging Penn State to keep him so they could keep beating him in the big games. I think he would be good as a recruiter, but coaching the game and instilling any kind of discipline, not going to happen.

He has to look for a job or he doesn’t get the buyout.

 

[PaForest75]

Wow, coaches lose to teams they shouldn’t? Who would’ve thought that? Amazing…I thought that only happened to Franklin.

What about losing back to back to teams they shouldn't? And some of the stuff they pulled in that Northwestern game looked like either the players wanted him gone or he was trying to get fired.

Maybe they should have waited until everyone was in agreement that it was over for him. It is worth noting that right after the Northwestern game, there was no one to be found in his corner. Now a few weeks later, some of them make their way out. Why not help defend him after the Northwestern game?

 

[KingLando]

He has to look for a job or he doesn’t get the buyout.

Allegedly and "look for"

 

[Ludd]

Allegedly and "look for"

Guys like Franklin don’t sit around and do nothing…he will be looking.

 

[KingLando]

Guys like Franklin don’t sit around and do nothing…he will be looking.

And he has plenty of options in coaching or doing something else--he also doesn't need to take a job just to take a job.

 

[Marshall2323]

Yeah, but they're 7-3 playing some kind of independent schedule of cupcakes. Still it's a terrible loss for Duke, but every coach on the list now except Elko has some bad losses. Brohm lost to Cal. Drinkwitz got stomped. Somebody has to be picked. Almost makes me think if Terry Smith had pulled out the W last Saturday he may have gotten the job. No way on it now.

Diaz might be the man to catch this hot potato. Then Franklin could go to Duke and try to make them the next Vanderbilt.

You are right. Every coach on the list has bad losses. But one of them will propel PSU to a NC? None are better than what was just sent packing.

 

[Nothing Special]

Next year Arkansas plays
Georgia, LSU, Mizzou, Tennessee and South Carolina at home
Auburn, Texas, A&M and Vandy on the road
Why would he want that job?
There's at least 6 losses there.

Thank you! I was very close to having to Google yet another team's 2026 schedule!

 

[KingLando]

Thank you! I was very close to having to Google yet another team's 2026 schedule!

lol some of these SEC schedules are terrifying
I wish all teams played schedules like that though

 

[Ludd]

lol some of these SEC schedules are terrifying
I wish all teams played schedules like that though

You mean like playing the #1 and #2 teams in the country back to back and the #6 team three weeks before that? Oh wait, none of those SEC teams have to do that.

 

[BBHorn86]

What is he going to do there to prove his PSU detractors wrong? Hopefully you don't think he will win a NC at Va Tech because there is not a snowball's chance in hell that happens. He could squeak them into the playoffs and if all the stars align they could get to the quarters one year but that is his limit.

I will say this, as far as PSU is concerned, we better get a coach who can protect and grow our Mid Atlantic recruiting footprint. With Franklin at Va Tech he has the potential to be a pesky guy to recruit against.

I agree with your comment about being pesky to recruit against.... but what I'm curious about is the logic that there is no way in hell he wins a NC at VT... But it we are going after the same recruits then you must believe the new PSU coach can do better than Franklin did or will do with the same level of talent. Honestly, if PSU finds itself in recruiting battles with the kids who would consider VT as an equal option then there is no chance in hell PSU wins a national championship.

 

[KingLando]

You mean like playing the #1 and #2 teams in the country back to back and the #6 team three weeks before that? Oh wait, none of those SEC teams have to do that.

Yes, we played 3 tough opponents all season

 

[Ludd]

Yes, we played 3 tough opponents all season

And Iowa….who’s equally as good as many of the SEC teams you’re boasting about.

 

[KingLando]

And Iowa….who’s equally as good as many of the SEC teams you’re boasting about.

Not Iowa...they're unranked without a quality win. Unless beating us is somehow impressive...even though P4 team has beat us

 

[PaForest75]

You are right. Every coach on the list has bad losses. But one of them will propel PSU to a NC? None are better than what was just sent packing.

They probably should have let him finish the year then since there are still people who believed he could turn it around. It really looked like after that Northwestern game that all agreed it was time for him to go.

As far as the new coach winning an NC, it will depend on how they can recruit and spend the NIL money. The real shame of this whole thing is the talent was there to compete this year, but it got pissed away. Imagine this team with coordinators that didn't run gimmicky cute weird systems on both sides of the ball and a head coach that would have demanded a little more discipline. They handcuff themselves with all that and still manage to fight like hell and lose close games.