Franklin is now the second longest serving B10 coach

In a quick turn of events, Penn State football head coach James Franklin has now become the second longest tenured coach in the Big Ten Conference. This change in the coaching environment comes hot on the heels of Monday’s firing of longtime Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald.

Franklin’s time at Penn State has been marked by success and continued competitiveness in one of college football’s most demanding conferences. As head coach, Franklin has worked diligently to elevate Penn State’s football program, guiding them to back-to-back seasons and notable accomplishments, doubling both the school’s appearances and wins in the Rose Bowl, winning the Cotton Bowl and posting four double-digit winning seasons. .

January 2, 2023; Pasadena, California, United States; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin celebrates with the trophy on the podium after the Penn State Nittany Lions defeated the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Kirk Ferentz – Iowa

Looking chronologically at the Big Ten coaching landscape, Iowa native Kirk Ferentz is the longest-tenured coach, having spent an incredible 24 years leading the Hawkeyes. Ferentz’s longevity is a testament to his ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of college football and maintain high levels of success over a long period of time. Penn State’s record against Iowa since Franklin has been here is 4-2, with those two losses coming in the last two games against the Hawkeyes.

Jim Harbaugh – Michigan

Jim Harbaugh, who has spent eight years at the helm of the Michigan Wolverines, closely follows Franklin as the conference’s third-longest coach. Harbaugh’s tenure has had its fair share of ups and downs, but the Wolverines have remained a contender and in recent years have regained their status as a national powerhouse. Harbaugh’s Michigan teams have a 5-3 record against the Nittany Lions.

Tom Allen – Indiana

Tom Allen has quietly been in Indiana for six full seasons now. Before his arrival, their last season over .500 was a 7-6 year in 2007. Allen led them to an 8-5 record in 2019 and a “star” 6-2 during a Covid-19 campaign that the Nittany Lion faithful will remember very well. when Penn State opened up the Hoosiers and went on to win. That 2020 was their first top-10 finish since 1967. The Lions are 5-1 against Allen’s teams, with the only loss coming in 2020.

PJ Fleck – Minnesota

PJ Fleck is tied with the Hoosiers Allen for the fourth senior coach at his current school in the Big Ten in six seasons at Minnesota. The Golden Gophers have always been a solid but unspectacular team, but Fleck has elevated them a bit. In 2019, he ranked them as high as 7 in the AP poll at No. 10. Before that season, you had to go back to 1962 to see a Minny team in the top ten. It was this 2019 team that handed Penn State its first loss of the season, 31-26. His teams are 2-4 against the Lions.

Ryan Day – Ohio State

Ryan Day has been at the helm of the Ohio State Buckeyes for five seasons now. Day succeeded the legendary Urban Meyer and has effectively maintained Ohio State’s dominance in the conference as a force to be reckoned with. Backed by a strong recruiting effort and proven record, Day’s tenure promises continued competitiveness for the Buckeyes, although two straight losses to Michigan have many thinking the temperature in his seat could rise significantly. One of the biggest blemishes on Franklin’s resume, Day is a perfect 5-0 against Penn State football.

Mike Locksley – Maryland

Mike Locksley is in his fifth season as the head coach of the Maryland football program. He found himself in an incredibly difficult situation returning to where he once coached when James Franklin was a year removed from DT Jordan McNair dying of heat stroke in an offseason practice. They had one season over .500 in the Big Ten before he arrived and have posted back-to-back winning campaigns. Penn State takes a 3-1 lead over the Locksley-led Terrapins.

Greg Schiano-Rutgers

Greg Schiano at Rutgers is the only coach who could be considered a longer head coach at his school, but his total of 14 years has been broken up by several other coaching gigs. He spent 10 years between 2001 and 2011 before returning for the 2020 Covid season, so his current stay only extends to year four. Rutgers remains dominant in the Big Ten, having one winning season since joining in 2014. The last time Rutgers beat the Nittany Lions was in 1988, and Schiano is 0-3 against PSU.

Mel Tucker – Michigan State

Michigan State’s Mel Tucker had the same enviable position Schiano had when he took over East Lansing during Covid. Sparty has struggled in recent years as Tucker has only recorded one winning season. Michigan State is 1-2 against PSU in that span.

Brett Bielema – Illinois

No stranger to the Big Ten after his seven highly successful seasons at Wisconsin, Illinois’ Brett Bielema appears to have Illinois headed in the right direction, with 2022 the Illini’s first winning year since 2011. Penn State football has split a pair of games against Illinois. loss is 9-OT heartbreak.

Ryan Walters-Purdue, Luke Fickell-Wisconsin, Mickey Joseph-Nebraska

Three coaches, Ryan Walters of Purdue, Luke Fickell of Wisconsin and Mickey Joseph of Nebraska have yet to face the Blue and White as they have all been in their respective universities for less than a year.

Conclusion

In the ever-changing and sometimes turbulent head coaching landscape of college football, James Franklin has emerged as a stabilizing force for Penn State football. Regardless of personal opinions, Franklin’s nine-year tenure has provided the Nittany Lions with the stability needed for their position among the nation’s elite programs. With his unwavering commitment and leadership, Franklin has guided Penn State through both triumphs and challenges, ensuring the program’s continued growth and pursuit of excellence. Love him or hate him, there’s no denying Franklin’s positive impact on Penn State.

• Published on 7/12/2023 at 15:12
• Last updated on 7 December 2023 at 15:12