Penn State football coach James Franklin knew Monday’s press conference would include big-picture questions, and one of those big-picture questions was whether or not he’s considering any staff changes.
Those are the types of things that lead to changes, even during the middle of the season.
Franklin has even performed such changes before, having fired offensive coach Mike Yurcich with two games left in the 2023 season. But although Franklin didn’t say “yes” or “no” when asked if he was considering changes at this point, the way he answered the question implied that Penn State is going to work with the coaches it has for the time being.
WHAT JAMES SAID
Photo courtesy of Penn State Athletics
“Again, I understand all the questions. Ultimately, it starts with me, and then, like I just mentioned, there’s shared responsibility between myself, the coordinators and the assistant coaches. I have a ton of confidence in those men, or else I would not have brought them in the building, but we’re a results-oriented business, and we need to produce. So my job is to hold everybody accountable and create an environment where the players and the coaches can be successful, so that’s what we’re going to do moving forward. Starting with Northwestern.”
WHO WOULD GO?
Photo by Matt Lynch Nittany Sports Now
So, if Franklin were to make any staff changes, who would he get rid of?
It’s hard to imagine offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki losing his job. Although Penn State’s offense hasn’t met expectations this season, getting rid of Koetlnicki after a 42-37 loss wouldn’t seem to make a lot of sense.
Penn State isn’t firing defensive coordinator Jim Knowles after just five games on the job, even though Knowles’ defense did give up 42 points to what had been (and might still be) the worst team in Power 4 led by a rookie offensive coordinator calling his first game.
If there were any realistic options to lose their job, receivers coach Marques Hagans might be the one, since the receiving group hasn’t made any substantial progress in his two+ seasons.
But, based on what Franklin said, it doesn’t seem change is coming.
Penn State football hosts Northwestern for Homecoming Saturday at Beaver Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 on FS1.
