If Coach James Franklin were to leave Penn State for the NFL and the Philadelphia Eagles, it would undoubtedly be a seismic shift in college football. Penn State would be left with a massive void to fill, given Franklin’s success in Happy Valley, and the university would likely move quickly to find his successor. Several names would be floated as potential candidates, each bringing their own unique advantages, backgrounds, and controversies to the table. Here are five coaches who could be ready to take the reins at Penn State, each with their own set of pros and cons.
1. Matt Rhule (Carolina Panthers / Former Baylor HC)
A name that would certainly come up if Franklin left is Matt Rhule, who has experience both at the collegiate and NFL levels. After a brief, underwhelming stint as head coach of the Carolina Panthers, Rhule is now considered a potential future star in college football. His ability to rebuild programs was proven at Baylor, where he took over a team in shambles and quickly turned them into a Big 12 contender. Rhule’s high-energy, hands-on approach would fit well with Penn State’s blue-collar fanbase. However, his mixed NFL results and his controversial departure from Baylor (following the sexual assault scandals surrounding the program) could make him a polarizing figure.
2. Luke Fickell (Cincinnati HC)
Luke Fickell’s name has been consistently linked with top-tier programs over the last several years. His work at Cincinnati has turned the Bearcats into a perennial powerhouse, making a College Football Playoff appearance in 2021. Fickell is a defensive-minded coach who prides himself on building teams that are tough, disciplined, and relentless. His leadership could re-establish Penn State as a dominant defensive force in the Big Ten. However, his loyalty to Cincinnati and his more reserved demeanor might not resonate with the passionate Penn State fanbase that has grown accustomed to Franklin’s charisma and media savvy. Additionally, some critics argue that his success at Cincinnati hasn’t been fully tested by the top-tier competition of the Power Five.
3. Shane Beamer (South Carolina HC)
Another coach who would certainly draw attention is Shane Beamer, the son of legendary coach Frank Beamer. Since taking over at South Carolina, Beamer has quickly turned the Gamecocks into a competitive force in the SEC. His energetic, player-first mentality would surely resonate with Penn State’s players, and his recruiting skills could help the Nittany Lions quickly return to national contention. But, Beamer’s relative inexperience compared to other candidates would be a risk for Penn State’s administration. He also has the tough task of proving he can win consistently at the highest level, especially given the SEC’s cutthroat competition.
4. James Franklin’s Successor: Tom Herman (Former Texas HC)
Tom Herman was a rising star in college football before his tenure at Texas went sour. He had a stellar run at Houston, building a nationally recognized program, and while his time at Texas wasn’t a complete disaster, it didn’t live up to the high expectations. With a chip on his shoulder and a point to prove, Herman could be a candidate eager to show that he can succeed in a power-conference program. His offensive mind and ability to build a competitive program could work well at Penn State. However, Herman’s volatile relationship with media and boosters during his Texas tenure could make him a risky choice, especially at a place like Penn State, which has a deep connection to its coaching staff’s public image.
5. Mark Stoops (Kentucky HC)
Perhaps the most surprising name on this list would be Mark Stoops, the head coach of Kentucky. Stoops has steadily built Kentucky into a respectable program in the SEC, a notoriously difficult conference to succeed in. While the Wildcats have never been a powerhouse under Stoops, his work ethic, defensive acumen, and ability to find undervalued talent would resonate with Penn State’s culture. However, Stoops is often overlooked because of Kentucky’s modest reputation, and some might question if he could handle the heightened expectations of a blue-chip program like Penn State. There is also the question of whether Stoops would want to leave his steady position in Kentucky for the pressures of coaching in the Big Ten.
Conclusion:
These five coaches represent a range of possibilities for Penn State if James Franklin were to leave for the NFL. While each has its own strengths, they also bring with them the baggage of their past successes, failures, and personal histories. Whether Penn State fans would embrace one of them would depend largely on how well these candidates could adapt to the unique culture and expectations of one of college football’s most prestigious programs. In the ever-evolving world of college football, the road to replacing a successful coach like Franklin is never easy, and the Nittany Lions may need to take some risks in order to maintain their national prominence.
