James Franklin will begin his 10th season as Penn State’s football head coach, and he claims to have no aspirations of leaving for an NFL opportunity.
Per On3’s Griffin McVeigh, Franklin explained why he prefers coaching at the college level.
“This is a relationship business,” Franklin said. “You’re trying to help young people grow and evolve along their journey. If it was just about wins and losses, you would go coach in the NFL. You’re coaching in college football to make a difference in people’s lives.”
He cited getting invited to Trace McSorley’s wedding last summer as an example of the bonds he enjoys forming with college players. For him, coaching is about “watching these guys achieve their dreams.”
Franklin made a brief NFL pit stop when spending the 2005 season as the Green Bay Packers wide receiving coach. Perhaps a 4-12 finish soured his perception of the pros.
Since joining Penn State, Franklin has coached future NFL stars Saquon Barkley and Micah Parsons. He has a 78-36 record after leading the Nittany Lions to an 11-2 record and Rose Bowl win last season.