James Franklin on the Perception of Penn State & a crazy NFL Draft Night | Big Noon Conversations
Jul 22, 2024
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Penn State Head Coach James Franklin and Joel Klatt discuss the impact of a 4-team Playoff on program perception and new OC Andy Kotelnicki. They express optimism for the 12-team format and share a story about the NFL Draft night. They also talk about potential December Playoff games at Beaver Stadium.
Coach Franklin discusses the impact of exclusive 4-team Playoff on perception of his program.
Introduction of new OC Andy Kotelnicki brings dynamic offensive strategies to Penn State.
Deep dives
Excitement for Coaching at Penn State
Coach James Franklin discusses the honor and fulfillment of coaching at Penn State, a place with rich history and personal significance due to his upbringing near Philadelphia. Despite initial hesitations about leaving Vanderbilt, the impactful success at Vandy led him to a realization that Penn State offered a platform for greater achievements, especially in the broader landscape of college football.
New Coaching Staff and Strategic Hires
Highlighted are the changes within the coaching staff at Penn State, introducing three new coordinators, including offensive coordinator Andy Kotalnicki. Coach Franklin shares the meticulous process behind selecting Coach Kotalnicki, emphasizing his track record and innovative strategies that bring a dynamic aspect to the team’s offensive approach.
Implications of Playoff Expansion and Division Realignment
The conversation delves into the structural shifts in college football, specifically the expanded 12-team playoff and the realignment within the Big Ten conference, transforming it into a notable super-conference. Coach Franklin expresses optimism for Penn State's opportunities within this evolving landscape, potentially enhancing the team's prospects and redefining success criteria with expanded playoff access and changed conference dynamics.
FOX Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt sits down with Penn State Head Coach James Franklin to discuss the Nittany Lions’ program entering the 2024 season. Coach Franklin breaks down the changes on the coaching staff including what new OC Andy Kotelnicki will bring to the offense. Klatt and Coach discuss the impact of having an exclusive 4-team Playoff over the last 10 years and how it has affected the perception of both Franklin and his program. They also share optimism towards the new 12-team format and consider what a potential Playoff game in December at Beaver Stadium would look like. Coach Franklin tells his 2024 NFL Draft night story where he raced across the state of Maryland to try to be with two of his players before they heard their names called in the First Round.