James Franklin was named a semifinalist for the George Munger College Football Coach of the Year Award, Maxwell Football Club announced Wednesday.

In his 11th year at the helm of the Nittany Lions, Franklin led Penn State to a 11-1 regular season and Big Ten Championship and College Football Playoff appearances.

As one of 18 semifinalists, Franklin is joined by Indiana’s Curt Cignetti, Ohio State’s Ryan Day, and Oregon’s Dan Lanning as the only coaches out of the Big Ten.

The Munger Award has been given to the nation’s best coach since 1989, and is voted on by NCAA head coaches, Maxwell Club members, and nationwide sportswriters.

Franklin would become the third Penn State coach to win the award in the program’s history, as Joe Paterno won it three times and Bill O’Brien won it once. However, Paterno’s three recognitions have all since been revoked.

The Franklin-led Nittany Lions will take on SMU in the first round of the College Football Playoff at noon on Saturday, December 21, at Beaver Stadium. The game will be televised on TNT.

About the Author

Michael Siroty

Michael Siroty is a junior from Westfield, New Jersey, majoring in broadcast journalism. When he isn't writing articles or making TikToks for Onward State, Siroty is probably somewhere talking about college sports. You can contact him to discuss your sushi order or music taste on Instagram and X @msiroty or by email at mfs6682@psu.edu.

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