Franklin “Had to Go…” Here’s Why We Needed Him to Stay

[Steelers1]

You’re saying there only around 10 coaches in CFB that are better than Franklin. Curious if you think the 11th best coach in all of college football should be expected to have two unranked seasons with losing conference records in the last five years.

I dont even think there are ten better. I thought the same thing as you unitl I started a list... I got about 5 that were clearly upgrades (and nooo way they were coming here).

1. Ryan Day
2. Kirby Smart
3. Kurt Cignetti
4. Marcus Freeman (Probably)
5. Dan Lanning (maybe)

Okay fill in the next five that are CLEARLY better, Im sure Im missing some.

 

[Steelers1]

Coaches who have not finished with a losing conference record at least twice in last five years:

Day
Smart
McGuire
Lanning
Kiffin
Elko
DeBoer
Freeman
Sitake
Sarkisian
Whittingham
Sumrall
Key
Ferentz
Heupel
Lashlee
Campbell

Stopping there. I’m sure there are many more.

---

So you're telling me Matt Cambell is better, Kirk Ferentz, Josh Heupel etc. That's a bad metric to measure a head coach. Its like me saying name ten coaches that had their teams in the final four in the year of 2025.

 

[Mufasa94]

Franklin had been to the final 4.

Ooooo, once in a dozen years because of a favorable format. PSU didn’t even finish ranked in the top 4.

It’s not like Franklin had Dabo like success to put up with his and his agent’s repeated rumors/extension occurrences.

Campbell will never sniff the playoffs.

Campbell wasn’t my preference. I cross my fingers and hope he does well just as I did with Franklin after the ‘21 extension.

 

[Marshall2323]

Like a scorned lover...Franklin could do no wrong and anyone questioning him knew nothing about football. And suddenly, Campbell is a complete idiot and a total loser. It's kinda sad what he's become on this forum.

Just can't wait to give Campbell credit for improvement. It's just that there isn't any.

 

[Mufasa94]

So..... would you fire our coach now????

I didn’t say to hire him, nor am I Mark Cuban like to be able pay for whatever I’d like to have done.

Any more ridiculous questions?

 

[Marshall2323]

So..... would you fire our coach now???? Same spot as last year, with less talent coming in. And the guy before, had us in the final four just 8 months earlier seems like that should buy a little more time.

You just don't recognize excellence at the highest level

 

[Marshall2323]

Ooooo, once in a dozen years because of a favorable format. PSU didn’t even finish ranked in the top 4.

It’s not like Franklin had Dabo like success to put up with his and his agent’s repeated rumors/extension occurrences.

Campbell wasn’t my preference. I cross my fingers and hope he does well just as I did with Franklin after the ‘21 extension.

Speaking of "favorable format" let's talk about how Campbell choked away the most favorable PSU schedule in memory.

 

[Psumatt85]

Just can't wait to give Campbell credit for improvement. It's just that there isn't any.

4-8, 5-7, 6-6. Improvement and new contract!!!Krafts got this

 

[Mufasa94]

Speaking of "favorable format" let's talk about how Campbell choked away the most favorable PSU schedule in memory.

There are plenty of current threads to discuss that subject. This one was made specifically about Franklin and “needing him”.

 

[Chumboshifko1]

There are plenty of current threads to discuss that subject. This one was made specifically about Franklin and “needing him”.

2323 is obsessed. And a board cluttering clown. With many self liking nics.

 

[Marshall2323]

There are plenty of current threads to discuss that subject. This one was made specifically about Franklin and “needing him”.

Franklin is employed elsewhere. We need a coach that can win more than he did. Good luck with that.

 

[Chumboshifko1]

Franklin is employed elsewhere. We need a coach that can win more than he did. Good luck with that.

There's no "we" with you .

 

[BobPSU92]

For f*ck’s sake.

 

[Marshall2323]

There's no "we" with you .

We Deserve Better

 

[Psurock]

Chris Holtman came out of nowhere .and helped the Buckeyes have a deep tournament run. They let him go 2 years ago despite a talented roster, very quickly. Sometimes you find a diamond in the rough. Unfortunately for Franklin his constant salesman pitch for raises always rubbed people the wrong way. I won't miss his overlydramatic time out calls yet he did get his players to believe in him

 

[ApexLion]

With Franklin the problem was Franklin. Now the problem is money

No, the problem with Franklin was Franklin and money.

 

[Marshall2323]

Sitake is a very good coach. I just don't think he was a fit in Central Pa.

Agreed

 

[Marshall2323]

No, the problem with Franklin was Franklin and money.

Thankful the problems are gone.

 

[Erial_Lion]

Agreed

That’s better than disagreeing with your own post, lol.

 

[Chumboshifko1]

Thankful the problems are gone.

 

[Marshall2323]

That’s better than disagreeing with your own post, lol.

At least I'm consistent!

 

[LaJollaCreek]

For those retired high school coaches that still worship a college HC, this is pretty accurate.

 

[Grant Green]

I dont even think there are ten better. I thought the same thing as you unitl I started a list... I got about 5 that were clearly upgrades (and nooo way they were coming here).

1. Ryan Day
2. Kirby Smart
3. Kurt Cignetti
4. Marcus Freeman (Probably)
5. Dan Lanning (maybe)

Okay fill in the next five that are CLEARLY better, Im sure Im missing some.

Cignetti
Deboer
Whittingham
Fritz
Sitake
Kiffin (yeah he’s a douche but still better)
Dabo is about even but one could make a good argument he’s better

 

[barry j fenchak]

Cignetti
Deboer
Whittingham
Fritz
Sitake
Kiffin (yeah he’s a douche but still better)
Dabo is about even but one could make a good argument he’s better

Dabo could at least win the big game on occasion.

 

[Grant Green]

Dabo could at least win the big game on occasion.

My opinion is that Dabo and Franklin are essentially the same coach. Great recruiters that need really good coordinators to be successful. IMO the difference is that he had 2 NFL starting QBs. He hasn't done much without them and the defense hasn't been close to the same without Venables (who I also think was a better DC than anyone Franklin had).

I do think Franklin beats Dabo tomorrow.

 

[Chumboshifko1]

At least I'm consistent!

Huck a muh bahs....

 

[Lion84]

Are you finished, joeno?

Idiot.

Franklin Fanboy chimes in right on que - some things are guaranteed in Life death and taxes and Marshall ripping on PSU and it's fans and kissing BGJ's azz.

 

[barry j fenchak]

My opinion is that Dabo and Franklin are essentially the same coach. Great recruiters that need really good coordinators to be successful. IMO the difference is that he had 2 NFL starting QBs. He hasn't done much without them and the defense hasn't been close to the same without Venables (who I also think was a better DC than anyone Franklin had).

I do think Franklin beats Dabo tomorrow.

I count 7 playoff appearances with 6 of them being a 4-team field. He won 2 natties. He has proven success where Big Game has not, regardless of the particulars. I would pick him over Franklin given equally talented teams and assistants.

I do agree with you about the outcome of tomorrow's game.

 

[Grant Green]

I count 7 playoff appearances with 6 of them being a 4-team field. He won 2 natties. He has proven success where Big Game has not, regardless of the particulars. I would pick him over Franklin given equally talented teams and assistants.

All with Venables and 2 NFL QBs. What has he done since they left?
And in the ACC.

 

[Monty2007]

View attachment 1497958
For those retired high school coaches that still worship a college HC, this is pretty accurate.

No comment on the topic but this is such a poor AI fake pic.

 

[Chumboshifko1]

Franklin Fanboy chimes in right on que - some things are guaranteed in Life death and taxes and Marshall ripping on PSU and it's fans and kissing BGJ's azz.

Marshall is JSJ. An idiot.

 

[SkiSkiSki]

All with Venables and 2 NFL QBs. What has he done since they left?
And in the ACC.

Getting 2 NFL QBs and actually knowing how to use them is an accomplishment by itself that some coaches couldn't master. Swinney's issue since they left has been his resistance to using the transfer portal:

• 2021 to 2023: Clemson took virtually zero transfer portal players, with the minor exception of former Alabama third-string quarterback Paul Tyson (who is related to Bear Bryant and was brought in purely as a reserve/mentor QB).
• 2024: Clemson signed zero transfer portal players, relying entirely on their high school signing class.
• The Pivot (2025–2026): As Clemson suffered multiple three-loss seasons and fell out of the elite national championship picture, the pressure on Swinney reached a boiling point. He has slowly, reluctantly started to "dip his toe" into the portal:
  • In 2025, Clemson took 3 transfers (including Alabama edge Jeremiah Alexander and Purdue edge Will Heldt).
  • Heading into 2026, Clemson took a program-record 10 transfer players to help offset roster attrition.

 

[Chumboshifko1]

We needed BGJ to stay, like we needed diarrhea.

 

[Grant Green]

Getting 2 NFL QBs and actually knowing how to use them is an accomplishment by itself that some coaches couldn't master. Swinney's issue since they left has been his resistance to using the transfer portal:

• 2021 to 2023: Clemson took virtually zero transfer portal players, with the minor exception of former Alabama third-string quarterback Paul Tyson (who is related to Bear Bryant and was brought in purely as a reserve/mentor QB).
• 2024: Clemson signed zero transfer portal players, relying entirely on their high school signing class.
• The Pivot (2025–2026):As Clemson suffered multiple three-loss seasons and fell out of the elite national championship picture, the pressure on Swinney reached a boiling point. He has slowly, reluctantly started to "dip his toe" into the portal:
  • In 2025, Clemson took 3 transfers (including Alabama edge Jeremiah Alexander and Purdue edge Will Heldt).
  • Heading into 2026, Clemson took a program-record 10 transfer players to help offset roster attrition.

Tell that to Jimbo Fisher and Gene Chizik. Two average to below average coaches that won nattys thanks to Winston and Newton.

Surely, the lack of portal activity is hurting. However, isn't that part of being a good coach? Resisting the portal was a huge mistake for Dabo but he finally took 10 players this year and really hasn't changed much.

Also, note the first 3 years of Dabo at Clemson without Watson, Lawrence, and Venables. 9-5, 6-7, 10-4 in the ACC. Beat UK in a bowl game in 2009, lost to USF in 2010, and lost to WVU 70-33 in 2011.

Again, not saying he isn't a good coach. Just don't think he is any better than JF.

 

[barry j fenchak]

Getting 2 NFL QBs and actually knowing how to use them is an accomplishment by itself that some coaches couldn't master. Swinney's issue since they left has been his resistance to using the transfer portal:

• 2021 to 2023: Clemson took virtually zero transfer portal players, with the minor exception of former Alabama third-string quarterback Paul Tyson (who is related to Bear Bryant and was brought in purely as a reserve/mentor QB).
• 2024: Clemson signed zero transfer portal players, relying entirely on their high school signing class.
• The Pivot (2025–2026):As Clemson suffered multiple three-loss seasons and fell out of the elite national championship picture, the pressure on Swinney reached a boiling point. He has slowly, reluctantly started to "dip his toe" into the portal:
  • In 2025, Clemson took 3 transfers (including Alabama edge Jeremiah Alexander and Purdue edge Will Heldt).
  • Heading into 2026, Clemson took a program-record 10 transfer players to help offset roster attrition.

Exactly. He was talented enough to obtain the resources needed for success. Unlike BGJ, who never could.

 

[Kroixklk]

After the first six games last season, why didn’t you want him fired?

Because he recruited well, delivered winning teams, had a loyal coaching staff that was top notch, showed he could turn things around, never settled with under performing coaches, and was a great representative of the university.

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

Dabo could at least win the big game on occasion.

Wut wut
Dabo Swinney has won two national championships as the head coach of the Clemson Tigers (in 2016 and 2018) and one national championship as a player at the University of Alabama (in 1992

 

[Marshall2323]

Because he recruited well, delivered winning teams, had a loyal coaching staff that was top notch, showed he could turn things around, never settled with under performing coaches, and was a great representative of the university.

But now we have excellence at the highest level .

 

[Marshall2323]

Wut wut
Dabo Swinney has won two national championships as the head coach of the Clemson Tigers (in 2016 and 2018) and one national championship as a player at the University of Alabama (in 1992

Go Cylions. Please beat someone!

 

[Marshall2323]

View attachment 1497958
For those retired high school coaches that still worship a college HC, this is pretty accurate.

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