In the build-up to the new college football season, Pro Football Focus has been ranking coaches and players, and James Franklin has made the cut once again. Although ranked fourth amongst Big Ten coaches, Franklin comes in at 10th overall in the country.
Franklin’s impressive coaching career has seen him raise the level of execution from his players, taking Penn State back onto the verge of a College Football Playoff berth with an impressive 2022 season. However, arguably the most notable achievement of his career was leading Vanderbilt to ranked finishes in 2012 and 2013, something that the Commodores hadn’t achieved since 1948 and haven’t been able to do since Franklin’s departure.
Franklin’s talent for developing players is evident in his ability to prepare them for the NFL, which could explain why he boasts such a high ranking. PFF lists Ohio State’s Ryan Day in first place, with Alabama’s Nick Saban and Georgia’s Kirby Smart at second and third, respectively.
Matt Rhule, the new head coach of the Big Ten’s team, occupies the next spot on the list at 25th. The ranking highlights Franklin’s prowess as the highest-ranked Big Ten coach in the top 25.
Pro Football Focus has cemented a reputation for delving into the nitty-gritty of coaches and players, highlighting what makes them better than others with its itemized statistics. The PFF platform is considered the gold standard for informed analytics within football, leaving Franklin’s inclusion in their coaches rankings a coveted achievement.
With the start of the college football season rapidly approaching, the pressure is on for coaches throughout the country. Every win is crucial in the quest for a playoff spot, and coaches are continually seeking ways to optimize their players’ performance. For many coaches on this list, finding the winning formula on the field is their primary focus.
As the season approaches, James Franklin will undoubtedly be analyzing how to get the most out of his team, using his coaching talent and experience to turn his players into NFL-bound stars. Penn State fans will be looking towards their upcoming games with feverish anticipation, hoping their team can clinch that coveted College Football Playoff spot under Franklin’s guidance.
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