The Florida Gators football program is reportedly considering Penn State’s head coach, James Franklin, as a possible replacement for Billy Napier. Napier, now in his third season as Florida’s head coach, has faced mounting criticism from fans, especially with the team’s disappointing 1-2 start to the season. The recent loss to the Texas A&M Aggies has only intensified the dissatisfaction, with many calling for Napier’s removal. It remains to be seen when the decision to part ways with him will be made, but discussions about potential replacements have already begun.
Among the names being floated as potential candidates, Franklin stands out as a top option. While some fans have suggested high-profile names like former Alabama coach Nick Saban or ex-Florida coach Urban Meyer, others believe Franklin would be a better fit.
During ESPN’s College GameDay podcast, several names were mentioned, including Lane Kiffin (Ole Miss), Eli Drinkwitz (Missouri), Matt Campbell (Iowa State), Matt Rhule (Nebraska), and Mike Gundy (Oklahoma State). However, Franklin is seen as a particularly intriguing option due to his past experience in the SEC, having coached Vanderbilt before joining Penn State.
Franklin has been the head coach at Penn State since 2014 and has compiled an impressive 90-39 record with a .698 winning percentage. His recruiting success has been a key factor in the Nittany Lions’ competitiveness, something the Florida Gators could greatly benefit from as they continue to navigate the challenges of the highly competitive SEC.
If Penn State fails to make the College Football Playoff this year, Franklin may consider a new challenge, and the Gators’ head coaching position could provide that opportunity. For Florida, bringing in a coach with a proven track record like Franklin could be a significant upgrade over Napier, especially given Franklin’s ability to recruit at a high level. While the speculation continues, the possibility of a coaching change at both Florida and Penn State after the 2024 season could reshape the college football landscape.
Leave a Reply