James Franklin Remains 'Hopeful and Excited' for Penn State's Future
James Franklin is more "callused" now to the booing he has heard as Penn State's head coach than he was in 2016. That year, some fans chanted "Fire Franklin" as his team went into halftime trailing Minnesota in Game 5. The Lions didn't lose again until the Rose Bowl that season, but Franklin hasn't forgotten the moment.
Following Penn State's 24-15 loss to Michigan, the chants and boos returned at Beaver Stadium, louder and more harshly. The Lions fell to 0-6 against Ohio State and Michigan over the past three season, contributing to Franklin's decision to fire offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich a day later. But the booing, which Franklin heard, didn't accelerate the process.
"That was a different time," Franklin said of that 2016 game vs. Minnesota. "I'm much more, is the word callused, at this stage of my career. Thicker skin between you guys and my wife that I don't really get into those types of things. I control the things I can control. Not those other things."
Those "other things" have re-emerged as Penn State eyes a second consecutive 10-2 regular season, a running-in-place result for a team that expected to contend for the College Football Playoff. Fans expected that, too. When the possibility ended in a nine-point loss to Michigan, some reacted negatively.
"At the end of the day, we need to play well and we need to play well against our toughest opponents," Franklin said. "That's the reality of it. We embrace that. That's why you come to a place like Penn State as a coach, as a player, and we understand what comes with that, the positives and the challenges. You embrace it or you don't come to a place like Penn State."
Still, Franklin sought to reclaim the positive ground during his weekly press conference Monday. Franklin addressed three questions about fans' reactions, saying he understands expectations. He also reminded fans of his offseason program assessment — namely that University administration and the athletic department are aligned on performance goals and funding metrics.
As a result, despite the repeat losses to Ohio State and Michigan and his coaching change, Franklin said he's "as hopeful and excited as I've ever been" about the future of Penn State football. That was part of his message to fans.
"I think me saying something here is one thing. At the end of the day, it's about actions and it's about production," Franklin said. "It's about playing well. We have lost to two of the best teams in college football who also happen to be in the same side of our conference. We understand that. We recognize that. So I get it.
"So me sitting here saying things is fine, but I think at the end of the day it's about actions. I also believe we're better positioned now, like I've talked to you guys about before, than ever before based on the alignment we have for the first time.
"I think I said that to you guys this summer. I think that is probably the reason I'm as hopeful and excited as I have ever been, and I've also stated that before. But it's not like these people get in those positions and six months later snap their fingers and things are fixed or moving. It takes time. It takes time. I think we're in a position to do that."
More on Penn State
What we know about Penn State's offensive coordinator search
Potential candidates for Penn State's next offensive coordinator
Penn State fires offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich
Drew Allar struggles against Michigan. The coaches' gameplan didn't help
For Penn State and James Franklin, another missed opportunity
Michigan 24, Penn State 15: The breakdown from Beaver Stadium
AllPennState is the place for Penn State news, opinion and perspective on the SI.com network. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, tracking three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles and a catalog of great stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich. And consider subscribing (button's on the home page) for more great content across the SI.com network.
