On Tuesday, James Franklin stepped up to the podium at Pegula Ice Arena, addressing the media for the first time since Penn State’s 35-7 loss to Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl. The press conference quickly turned into a dissection of recent events within the program, most notably the departure of running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider and the hiring of Marcus Knowles as the new assistant coach.
Franklin’s tone was serious but reflective as he first addressed Seider’s exit, which had caught many by surprise. Seider, who had been with the program for several years, played a pivotal role in shaping Penn State’s running game. His departure raised immediate questions: why would a coach with such a deep connection to the program leave? Franklin’s response was a mix of respect for Seider’s decision and an acknowledgment of the challenges inherent in coaching at the highest level.
“Ja’Juan and I have been through a lot together, and I respect his decision,” Franklin said, his voice steady. “We’ve had a lot of success under his leadership, but ultimately, coaching is a dynamic profession. People have different goals, aspirations, and sometimes they need a change. We wish him the best, and I know he will continue to have a positive impact wherever he goes.”
Yet, Franklin’s words didn’t mask the underlying tension. The loss of Seider—who had cultivated one of the Big Ten’s most talented and productive running back rooms—could be seen as a major setback for the program’s recruiting efforts. Seider had been crucial in securing top talent, notably 2025 recruit London Montgomery. Franklin acknowledged the immediate challenge this departure posed but stressed the importance of maintaining focus.
“This is a business, and the reality is that change happens. We have a lot of talented staff, and we’ll continue to recruit and develop players to compete at the highest level,” Franklin said.
But the real intrigue came when Franklin turned to the hire of Marcus Knowles, who was announced as Seider’s replacement. Knowles, a relative newcomer to the coaching world but known for his intense recruiting style and impressive coaching pedigree at the lower levels, had big shoes to fill. While Franklin expressed excitement about Knowles’ potential, the hire has raised some eyebrows. Penn State’s fanbase is known for its high expectations, and many are wondering if a coach with limited experience can maintain the same level of excellence that Seider had cultivated.
Franklin, however, was unwavering in his defense of the decision. “Marcus is an incredibly talented coach,” Franklin asserted. “He’s passionate, knows how to motivate players, and has the kind of energy that will resonate with the guys. His track record speaks for itself, and I’m confident in what he brings to the table.”
The tension surrounding the staff changes was palpable, but Franklin’s focus remained on what was ahead. Penn State’s recruiting efforts, which had been highly successful in previous cycles, had to continue unaffected by these personnel shifts. Franklin even highlighted the recent recruitment of high-profile recruits like five-star defensive tackle Dani Dennis-Sutton, underscoring that the program’s momentum wouldn’t be derailed by internal changes.
However, some of Franklin’s remarks about Seider’s departure, while cordial, seemed to allude to deeper complications. Speculation swirled around whether Seider’s exit was tied to frustrations with Franklin’s handling of the program or if external opportunities were simply too enticing to ignore. The absence of more detailed answers left more questions than conclusions, making it clear that Penn State’s offseason could become as turbulent as its postseason performance.
Ultimately, the message Franklin sought to convey was one of resilience. The 2025 season is on the horizon, and change—whether in the form of coaching staff departures or player development—is inevitable. Yet, for Franklin, the challenge remains the same: continue winning, developing talent, and keeping Penn State in the upper echelon of college football. How his staff changes play out, however, will likely define the next chapter in his tenure.
