James Franklin believed in his plan, even when others did not. He kept fighting through adversity and eventually turned the Penn State Nittany Lions around. After a remarkable 11-2 season, a Big Ten tittle, and a coveted berth in the Rose Bowl, Franklin is garnering plenty of recognition.
The latest is in the form of a major national award, the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award. Franklin is one of five finalists up for the honor. P.J. Fleck of Western Michigan, Colorado’s Mike MacIntyre, Chris Petersen of Washington, and Alabama’s Nick Saban are the others in contention for the honor.