James Franklin Aims for National Championship Success After Penn State Departure

James Franklin, the former Penn State football coach, is determined to pursue national championship success even after his departure from the program. His recent appearance on ESPN’s “College GameDay” on October 18 marked his first public statement following his termination.

James Franklin’s Ambitions Remain Unaltered

Franklin expressed his initial shock at the separation from Penn State, emphasizing his belief that a national championship was within reach there. “We were close,” he said, but remains optimistic about achieving this goal elsewhere.

Season Setback and Subsequent Termination

Penn State began the season as the third-ranked team according to the US LBM Coaches Poll. However, their season quickly unraveled. Disappointing results, including a double-overtime loss to Oregon at home and defeats to UCLA and Northwestern, contributed to the decision to part ways with Franklin.

• Penn State vs. Oregon: Double-overtime loss
• Penn State vs. UCLA: Loss to winless team
• Penn State vs. Northwestern: Loss to unranked team
• Record against top 10 teams: 4-21

Future Prospects and New Challenges

Franklin is contemplating his next career move, considering potential openings at various Power Four schools, such as Virginia Tech, Oklahoma State, UCLA, and Arkansas. Although his next position is undetermined, Franklin remains enthusiastic about the opportunity to lead another program to victory on a national scale.

“I can’t wait for that next challenge. We’re going to go win a national championship at the highest level,” Franklin conveyed, highlighting his commitment to coaching and guiding young athletes.

While he takes a moment to reflect, James Franklin’s determination and passion for the sport persist as he seeks new leadership roles within collegiate football.