How ASU Could Use James Franklin After His Recent Departure

ASU's big loss to the Utah Utes was not the only big news this past weekend for college football, as the Penn State Nittany Lions parted ways with their long-time coach, James Franklin.

Franklin had been the Penn State Head Coach since 2014, but after a disappointing start to the season, Penn State decided to move on. So, since Franklin is available, here is why ASU should try to pursue him to add him to Kenny Dillingham's staff.

Arizona State Sun Devils Head Coach Kenny Dillingham — Sep 6, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham looks on during warm ups prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Offensive Coordinator

Current ASU offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo has done a pretty great job with the offense, as both Quarterback Sam Leavitt and Wide Receiver Jordyn Tyson were playing at a Heisman-like level.

Additionally, Arroyo has done a great job with the running back room after the departure of Cam Skattebo, who was drafted by the New York Giants. Throw in the fact that Arroyo did a great job coaching current Los Angeles Chargers Justin Herbert at Oregon, and Arroyo could get a head coaching gig next season.

Arizona State Offensive Coordinator Marcus Arroyo — Arizona State offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo answers questions during media day for the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl in Atlanta on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024. | Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

This is where Franklin could enter, as ASU's newest OC. Before coaching at Penn State, Franklin was the OC at Kansas State and Maryland, so he has experience at that position. A reason why Franklin would make a great OC is how good the running game had been at Penn State when Franklin was the Head Coach.

Penn State Nittany Lions Running Back Kaytron Allen — Oct 11, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Kaytron Allen (13) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images | Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

ASU has a great QB right now with Leavitt, but in the future, it is uncertain where the QB position will be. If the passing game is uncertain, having a great running game would go a long way in stabilizing the offense. Penn State's running style is very physical, so it would be a natural fit for the type of running game and culture that Dillingham has established in the desert.

Arizona State Head Coach Kenny Dillingham and Linebacker Martell Hughes — Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham greets linebacker Martell Hughes (18) during a game at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Sept. 26, 2025. | Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Assistant Coach

Dillingham has assembled a loaded coaching staff so far at ASU, with the likes of former Pittsburgh Steelers Receiver Hines Ward being the Receivers Coach and Former Chandler High School Head Coach Shaun Aguano as the running backs Coach.

Arizona State Sun Devils Running Backs Coach Shaun Aguano — Nov 30, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils running backs coach Shaun Aguano against the Arizona Wildcats during the Territorial Cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

So, since other big names have joined Dillingham's staff, the idea of Franklin joining the staff is not super far-fetched. Franklin has tons of experience that would be very valuable to ASU. ASU is planning on building a culture to be sustainable, and bringing in extremely knowledgeable Franklin would be a move to help further establish a steady identity.

Penn State Nittany Lions Head Coach James Franklin — Oct 11, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin walks off the field following the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images | Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

If Franklin were to join ASU's football coaching staff program, it would be a big win for ASU. However, the likelihood of that happening is not super high. It is more than likely that Franklin will be a head coach at another college. However, ASU should still try to inquire if Franklin would want to join ASU.

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