Part 2/9:
James Franklin's departure marks the end of an era at Penn State. Franklin, despite some shortcomings in big-game performances, consistently delivered nine to ten wins annually, excelling at dominating lesser opponents and maintaining competitive programs. Yet, the expectation now shifts toward finding a "great" coach—a leader capable of elevating the program to national championship contention.
However, this transition isn’t straightforward. Franklin’s success built a foundation that new coaches will need to sustain and build upon, creating a fiercely competitive hiring landscape. Penn State isn’t just looking to replace Franklin; they want to head in the direction of elite programs, making the next hire critical.