History of James Franklin (American football coach) in Timeline

James Franklin (American football coach)

James Franklin is an American football coach currently serving as the head coach at Pennsylvania State University since 2014. Before Penn State, he was the head coach at Vanderbilt University from 2011 to 2013. His career is marked by his leadership in college football programs.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1915: Most times scoring 40 (5) or more Points Since 1915

In 2012 Vanderbilt had the Most times scoring 40 (5) or more Points Since 1915

1916: Largest Margin of Victory against Secondary Rival Kentucky (40) Since 1916

In 2012 Largest Margin of Victory against Secondary Rival Kentucky (40) Since 1916 when Vanderbilt won 45–0

1935: First Time Since 1935 Vandy won Five SEC games

The 2012 season was the first time since 1935 that Vandy won five SEC games in a year

1948: Longest win Streak Since 1948

In 2012 Vanderbilt had the Longest win Streak Since 1948

1948: First Ranking Since 1948

The 2012, Vanderbilt Commodores finished 9-4 and ranked in both the Associated Press and USA Today end-of-season coaches' top 25 for the first time since 1948.

1949: Consecutive Years Since 1949-1951 that Vanderbilt Beat Rival Ole Miss

In 2012 Zac Stacy to rush for over 3,000 yards in career, the first time since 1949 to 1951 that Vanderbilt beat rival Ole Miss in consecutive years

1950: The longest road winning streak (4) Since 1950

In 2012 the Vanderbilt Commodores had the longest road winning streak (4) since 1950

1951: Consecutive Years Since 1949-1951 that Vanderbilt Beat Rival Ole Miss

In 2012 Zac Stacy to rush for over 3,000 yards in career, the first time since 1949 to 1951 that Vanderbilt beat rival Ole Miss in consecutive years

1954: Largest Margin of Victory Over Rival Tennessee (23) 41-18 Since 1954

In 2012 Vanderbilt beat Tennesseee 41-18, the Largest Margin of Victory Over Rival Tennessee (23) 41-18 Since 1954

February 2, 1972: James Franklin Born

On February 2, 1972, James Geoffrey Franklin was born. He is now an American football coach and former player.

1982: First 8-Win Season Since 1982

In 2012 was the First 8-Win Season Since 1982

1994: Division II Player of the Year Nominee

In 1994, James Franklin, playing as a quarterback for East Stroudsburg University, was nominated as a Division II player of the year. He also set seven school records this year and was named a 'National Player of the Week' by Sports Illustrated.

1995: Coaching at Kutztown University

In 1995, James Franklin began his coaching career at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania as the wide receivers coach.

1995: Graduation from East Stroudsburg University

In 1995, James Franklin graduated from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. He was also a member of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity while at East Stroudsburg.

1995: Rose Bowl Win

In 1995, Penn State won their first Rose Bowl since 1995, ending the season 11–2.

1997: Coaching at James Madison

In 1997, James Franklin became the wide receivers coach at James Madison University.

1998: Meeting His Wife

In 1998, while coaching at Washington State, James Franklin met his future wife, Fumi.

1999: Master's Degree at Washington State

In 1999, James Franklin completed a master's degree in educational leadership at Washington State University.

1999: Coaching at Idaho State

In 1999, James Franklin served as the wide receivers coach at Idaho State University. That year, the Bengals recorded 29 touchdowns, 258 receptions, and in excess of 3,300 passing yards.

November 2000: Head Coach Dismissal at University of Maryland

In November 2000, Ron Vanderlinden, the head coach at the University of Maryland, was dismissed and replaced by Ralph Friedgen. Ralph Friedgen retained James Franklin as the wide receivers coach.

2003: Recruiting Coordinator at Maryland

In 2003, James Franklin's duties at the University of Maryland expanded to include the position of recruiting coordinator.

2005: Engagement

In 2005, James Franklin and Fumi got engaged in Green Bay, where he was working at the time.

2005: Wide Receivers Coach for the Green Bay Packers

In 2005, James Franklin departed Maryland to serve as the wide receivers coach for the Green Bay Packers of the NFL.

2006: Kansas State University Coaching Role

In 2006, James Franklin served at Kansas State University as the quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator.

2007: Kansas State University Coaching Role

In 2007, James Franklin served at Kansas State University as the quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator.

2008: Departure from Kansas State

In 2008, James Franklin left the Wildcat coaching staff at Kansas State University prior to Ron Prince's dismissal.

2008: Return to Maryland

In 2008, James Franklin returned to the University of Maryland as the offensive coordinator, assistant head coach, and head coach in waiting.

2008: First Ranking in any Week Since 2008

The 2012 season was the first ranking in any week since 2008 for Vanderbilt

December 2010: Acceptance of Head Coach Position at Vanderbilt

Shortly before then coach Ralph Friedgen was fired in December 2010, James Franklin accepted the head coach position at Vanderbilt.

2010: Hired as Vanderbilt Head Coach

In 2010, after Gus Malzahn turned down the job, Vanderbilt began talks to hire James Franklin as its head coach, and on December 17, Vanderbilt announced that James Franklin had been hired as head coach. Franklin was the first African American to be head coach of a major sport at Vanderbilt.

2011: Vanderbilt Season Record

James Franklin finished the 2011 regular season with an overall record of 6–6 and a mark of 2–6 in conference play. Vanderbilt was invited to the Liberty Bowl where they were defeated by Cincinnati 31–24 to finish the season 6–7 in 2011.

2012: Ranking of SEC Teams

In 2012, James Franklin ranked three SEC teams, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, ahead of Notre Dame in the final regular-season coaches poll.

2012: Vanderbilt Season Record

In 2012, James Franklin's second season as head coach, the Commodores finished 9–4 and ranked in both the Associated Press and USA Today end-of-season coaches' top 25 for the first time since 1948.

2012: Numerous Milestones

The 2012 Vanderbilt Commodores had numerous milestones, including the longest road winning streak (4) since 1950, the longest win streak (7) since 1948, and the most times scoring 40 (5) or more points since 1915.

August 9, 2013: Arrest of Vanderbilt Football Players

On August 9, 2013, four Vanderbilt football players were arrested and charged with multiple counts of aggravated rape and aggravated sexual battery. They also took graphic photos and videos of the rape. It was later reported that Franklin encouraged a player to delete graphic footage of the rape.

January 7, 2014: Discussion of Gang Rape Allegations

On January 7, 2014, James Franklin was forced to discuss the gang rape allegations by four of his former players at Vanderbilt.

January 11, 2014: Appointment as Head Football Coach at Penn State

On January 11, 2014, James Franklin was announced as the head football coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions.

January 24, 2014: Penn State Pays Vanderbilt

On January 24, 2014, Penn State disclosed that they agreed to pay $1.5 million that James Franklin owed Vanderbilt for early termination of his contract, according to USA TODAY Sports.

2014: THON Supporter

Since 2014, James Franklin has spoken at every THON event, and the Franklin family has supported THON through annual gifts.

December 31, 2014: Retention Bonus

On December 31, 2014, James Franklin received a $300,000 retention bonus for being Penn State's coach.

2016: Big Ten's Dave McClain Coach of the Year

During the 2016 season, after rallying his team to win the next eight games, James Franklin was named the Dave McClain Coach of the Year in the Big Ten.

August 18, 2017: Contract Extension with Penn State

On August 18, 2017, Penn State announced that James Franklin signed a six-year contract extension worth $5.738 million a year.

2017: Fiesta Bowl Win

In 2017, James Franklin led the Nittany Lions to another 10–2 regular season. They ended the season by defeating the Washington Huskies in the 2017 Fiesta Bowl, 35–28.

2017: Salary during 2017 Season

In 2017, James Franklin made $4.3 million during the season as part of a contract.

2018: Citrus Bowl Loss

In 2018, the Nittany Lions took a step back from their recent success, finishing their regular season 9–3 overall and 6–3 in conference games. Following the regular season they played Kentucky in the Citrus Bowl, losing 27–24.

October 30, 2019: Renaissance Fund Honoree

On October 30, 2019, James Franklin was named Penn State's 43rd Annual Renaissance Fund honoree. The dinner raised over $287,600 for endowed scholarships at Penn State.

2019: Contract Extension Approval

At the end of the 2019 regular season, Penn State announced that the board of trustees had confirmed unanimous approval of an extension of James Franklin's contract.

2019: Donation to Children's Medical Center Dallas

In 2019, prior to Penn State's appearance in the Cotton Bowl, James Franklin matched a $10,000 donation from Goodyear to the Children's Medical Center Dallas.

2019: Cotton Bowl Classic Win

The Nittany Lions finished the 2019 season 11–2, and had a conference record of 7–2. They received an invitation to the 2019 Cotton Bowl Classic where they defeated the #17 2019 Memphis Tigers 53–39.

2020: Shortened Season

Penn State's 2020 season was shortened because of the COVID-19 pandemic. They started 0-5, and rebounded by winning their last four games to finish 4-5. The season was scarred early on by the sudden retirement of starting running back Journey Brown due to a heart disease.

2022: Salary during 2022 Season

As part of his contract James Franklin would make $6.3 million during the 2022 season.

2023: 2023 Season

In 2023, Penn State started the season ranked 7th and finished with a 10-3 record after losing to Ole Miss in the Peach Bowl.

2024: 2024 Season

During the 2024 season, Penn State went 11–2 in the regular season, losing to Ohio State and Oregon in the Big Ten Championship Game, also they lost to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Orange Bowl.

2031: Contract Extension

In 2031, prior to the regular-season finale against Michigan State, James Franklin agreed to a 10-year, $75 million extension to remain as Penn State's head football coach through the 2031 season.