Langhorne native and Penn State football coach James Franklin’s journey to leading one of the nation’s elite programs included stints at eight other colleges, one year in the NFL, and another overseas, writes Doug Samuels for FootballScoop.

The Neshaminy High School graduate, who played collegiately at East Stroudsburg, coached not only at his Division II alma mater but also at Kutztown University, James Madison, Washington State, Idaho State, Kansas State, and Maryland. Franklin even coached one year with the Green Bay Packers and one year with a professional team in Denmark — all before becoming the head coach at Vanderbilt and turning around its beleaguered program in just three seasons.

He was recently asked what his advice would be for coaches considering other opportunities.

“I think the reason why we work so hard, so that hopefully you can be in a position where you somewhat control your own fate and destiny where you can choose who you work with,” said Franklin.

“You work hard as an assistant coach, so that hopefully you have options. … Most coaches I know don’t want to leave. They leave because they don’t feel like they’re getting the internal support that they need to reach their highest goals.”

This fall will mark Franklin’s 10th season at Happy Valley, where he’s led the Nittany Lions to a 78-36 record, including a 49-30 mark in the Big Ten.

Read more about James Franklin at FootballScoop.

________

James Franklin discusses the great expectations his Penn State football team has for the 2023 season.