University Park— Penn State coach James Franklin confirmed RB coach Ja’Juan Seider’s departure Tuesday and then commented on it.
Moving On: Penn State RB Coach Ja’Juan Seider Leaving For Notre Dame
Reports got out Super Bowl Sunday morning that Seider is leaving Penn State after seven seasons for the same position at Notre Dame.
Some Penn State fans held out hope through the rest of Sunday and into Monday that maybe Seider was staying at Penn State, and in their defense, Seider hasn’t officially been announced by Notre Dame as a member of its coaching staff.
Seider hasn’t left yet.
— TommyPweefs (@Twitta_Tom) February 10, 2025
But Franklin, speaking with media at his annual winter availability, but any speculation to rest.
WHAT FRANKLIN SAID
Photo by Matt Lynch, Nittany Sports Now
Here’s what Franklin said about Seider’s departure.
“Ja’Juan Seider, after being with us for seven years, did a great job for us, has moved on,” Franklin said. “We wish him nothing but the best. Seven years. In some way, it’s a shame that seven years is a long time (in college football). But (Seider) gave our program and our community seven years, and did a really good job for us. So we’re appreciative of that.”
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.For Franklin, it’s hard to lose coaches at any point, let alone February, which is more than two months after the end of the regular season, when many coaching searches begin.
“It’s very detrimental to lose people in your organization this late in the process,” Franklin said. “But, it’s something that is very, very challenging.”
“We have to go out and get the very best candidate we can. There’s a list that’s probably not as deep as people think of candidates who can come to Penn State.”
STILL PLENTY TO BE EXCITED ABOUT
Nick Singleton celebrates his third rushing touchdown against Notre Dame.
Even without Seider— who is beloved by his players, co-workers and Penn State fans alike— Penn State has plenty to be excited about regarding its running game. Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen became the first RB duo at Penn State to run for over 1,000 yards.
They’ll both be back next season, which makes James Franklin and company very happy.
Penn State opens the 2025 season against Nevada at Beaver Stadium Saturday, Aug. 30.
