The press box on game day is an experience unlike any other. It’s a place where you can unexpectedly cross paths with some fascinating figures.
During halftime of Penn State’s visit to Ohio State Nov. 1, I was grabbing the traditional halftime hot dog Ohio State provides to the media. As I turned back toward the seating area, I noticed a face I never expected to see.
Former Ohio State head coach John Cooper was sitting quietly at a table, enjoying his hot dog.
Cooper coached the Buckeyes from 1988 to 2000, winning 111 games, three Big Ten championships, and coaching legends such as Orlando Pace, Eddie George and Joey Galloway.
I approached Cooper, and we talked about his relationship with Joe Paterno, old stories involving his close friend Johnny Majors and various Nike trips from his coaching days.
Eventually, I asked Cooper what he thought about the firing of James Franklin whom Penn State dismissed Oct. 12, midway through his 12th season.
Cooper was against the move but offered a reminder that many often forget: almost every coach, eventually, gets fired.
Like Franklin, Cooper struggled in his biggest games — most notably against Michigan, where he went 2–10–1.
Yesterday, many Penn State fans were frustrated after a clip surfaced from a Virginia Tech Board of Visitors meeting in which someone referred to Penn State as “the last place.”
“We poured our heart and soul into the last place for the last 12 years,” Franklin said, notably choosing not to reference Penn State by name.
Franklin, one of the most socially aware and considerate people I’ve interacted with, still made sure to express genuine appreciation for his time in State College.
“I want to thank Penn State,” he said. “I had 12 years there. It’s very unusual in college football to get 12 years at a place. Most importantly, the relationships — the staff, the players. The players here at Virginia Tech are going to find out I’m a players’ coach. That’s what it’s all about for me. That’s what it always will be.”
Penn State will always mean something to him.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.His gratitude was sincere, and his emotions were evident as he mentioned Brent and Jim Pry and what they meant to him.
“I’d like to acknowledge Brent Pry,” Franklin said emotionally. “Brent’s a good friend. His dad was my offensive coordinator in college. I’ve known Brent for over 30 years. I know he poured his heart and soul into this place. This place is better today because of Brent and his commitment. I just want to show that respect to him.”
Franklin also paid respect to Virginia Tech Hall of Fame coach Frank Beamer, saying the only two men he has ever called for a blessing before making a major decision were his father-in-law and Beamer.
During Franklin’s appearance on ESPN’s College GameDay, he alluded to his next stop being the place where he believes he will achieve his goal of winning a national championship.
James Franklin: ‘We’re Just Gonna Go Win a Championship Somewhere Else’
Virginia Tech has been close before.
Beamer’s 1999 Hokies were led by the transcendent quarterback Michael Vick, who had a 29-27 lead entering the fourth quarter against No. 1 Florida State, who were led by wide receiver Peter Warrick, who had an all time fourth quarter to give the Seminoles a wire-to-wire national championship.
Franklin himself came within moments of the national championship game last season, falling just short against Notre Dame in the semifinal.
“We were a drive away last year from playing in the national championship. So I know what it looks like,” Franklin said. “I know what you need to do. We learned from that experience. When you combine alignment, commitment, our past success, and a place with great history, great tradition, and great pride — you can build something special.”
The same foundational elements exist at Virginia Tech for Franklin to succeed. If he elevates the Hokies into regular ACC championship contention and the College Football Playoff, his gratitude will be reflected not just in words but in results.
Maybe one day, long after the nearly billion-dollar Beaver Stadium renovation is complete, another writer will stroll through the press box at halftime, grab a meal, and find James Franklin sitting there.
Perhaps, by then, all the lingering hard feelings will be nothing more than water under the bridge.
