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James Franklin
By Ethan Levine
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James Franklin coached in the SEC for three season at Vanderbilt University from 2011-2013, leading the Commodores to bowl appearances in all three seasons. Vanderbilt had never reached a bowl game in consecutive seasons prior to Franklin’s arrival in Nashville.
Franklin led Vandy to nine-win seasons in 2012 and 2013, which doubled the number of times the Commodores had reached nine wins in their program’s history (dating back to 1890). Twice his teams finished ranked in the final Associated Press and USA Today Coaches’ polls, which had never been done before Franklin took over the program.
Vanderbilt was Franklin’s first career head coaching job. He arrived in Nashville after a three-year stint as offensive coordinator for the University of Maryland. Following the 2013 season, Franklin left Vanderbilt to take over the Penn State Nittany Lions.
| Coaching History | Team | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Head Coach | Penn St. Nittany Lions | 2014-Present |
| Head Coach | Vanderbilt Commodores | 2011-2013 |
| Offensive Coordinator | Maryland Terrapins | 2008-2010 |
| Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach | Kansas St. Wildcats | 2006-2007 |
| Wide Receivers Coach | Green Bay Packers | 2005 |
| Wide Receivers Coach | Maryland Terrapins | 2000-2004 |
| Wide Receivers Coach | Idaho St. Bengals | 1999 |
| Tight Ends Coach | Washington St. Cougars | 1998 |
| Wide Receivers Coach | James Madison Dukes | 1997 |
| Offensive Coordinator | Roskilde Kings | 1996 |
| Defensive Backs Coach | East Stroudsburg Warriors | 1996 |
| Wide Receivers Coach | Kutztown Golden Bears | 1995 |
A former newspaper reporter who has roamed the southeastern United States for years covering football and eating way too many barbecue ribs, if there is such a thing.
