Penn State Targets Marcus Freeman After Parting with James Franklin

Penn State is actively seeking a new head coach following the dismissal of James Franklin. The university’s search includes notable candidates, most prominently Marcus Freeman from Notre Dame. This development was reported by On3, which suggested that Penn State intends to pursue significant hires following Franklin’s termination six games into the 2025 season.

Penn State’s Coaching Search

Franklin’s firing came after a disappointing stretch, including three consecutive losses. Two other names mentioned, Ryan Day from Ohio State and Kalen DeBoer from Alabama, are reportedly not serious options for the position.

Marcus Freeman’s Background

Marcus Freeman, currently in his fourth season as the head coach at Notre Dame, has demonstrated impressive leadership. He guided the Fighting Irish to the College Football Playoff national championship game last season. This marked a significant achievement as they faced Ohio State, Freeman’s alma mater.

• Age: 39
• Coaching Record: 9-4 (2021), 10-3 (2023), 14-2 (2024)
• Current Season Record: 4-2

Freeman was promoted to head coach in late 2021 after Brian Kelly left for LSU. Under his guidance, Notre Dame has become a competitive team in college football.

Current Season Details

This season, Notre Dame started strong at No. 6 but has since dropped to No. 13. They faced early setbacks against Miami and Texas A&M but have bounced back with four consecutive victories against Purdue, Arkansas, Boise State, and NC State. A critical match against rival USC looms on the horizon.

Expectations from the New Coach

Penn State’s athletic director, Pat Kraft, emphasized the program’s commitment to excellence in football. He stated the importance of investing in top-tier resources and setting high expectations for the new leader.

“Football is our backbone,” Kraft remarked. “With that comes high expectations. A new leader can help us win a national championship, and now is the right time for this change.”

Furthermore, Kraft highlighted the necessity for the new coach to effectively utilize elite resources and navigate the transfer portal successfully to elevate the team’s performance.

Conclusion

Penn State is poised for a significant transition in its football program. With Marcus Freeman as a primary target, the upcoming coaching decision will play a pivotal role in the future of Nittany Lions football.