Breaking: James Franklin has made significant strides at Penn State, not only with his recruiting and overall program…
James Franklin has made significant strides at Penn State, not only with his recruiting and overall program development but also in assembling talented coaching staffs. His ability to hire top-tier coordinators has been a key factor in Penn State’s success under his leadership. Here’s a ranking of his best coordinator hires during his tenure.
**1. Brent Pry (Defensive Coordinator, 2014-2017)**
Pry’s time as defensive coordinator was pivotal in revitalizing Penn State’s defense. He brought a tenacious, aggressive style that led to significant improvement in both the rush defense and overall defensive rankings. Under Pry, the Nittany Lions’ defense became a staple of the program, helping lead them to a Big Ten title in 2016. His success in developing NFL-caliber talent like Saquon Barkley on defense (such as linebacker Micah Parsons) cannot be overstated. Pry was key to transforming Penn State into a competitive program in the Big Ten.
**2. Joe Moorhead (Offensive Coordinator, 2016-2017)**
Moorhead’s arrival marked a drastic shift in Penn State’s offensive output. His up-tempo, spread offense played a significant role in maximizing the talents of players like Trace McSorley and Saquon Barkley. In his two years, the Nittany Lions averaged over 40 points per game, leading to a 2017 Fiesta Bowl win. Moorhead’s offensive innovation was a game-changer for Penn State’s rise to prominence under Franklin.
**3. Micah Shrewsberry (Special Teams, 2014-2015)**
Though Shrewsberry’s tenure was brief, his work with special teams and as a consultant for other roles was instrumental in building a well-rounded squad. Under his guidance, Penn State excelled in special teams metrics, a crucial aspect of any team that wants to succeed at the highest level.
**4. Ricky Rahne (Offensive Coordinator, 2018-2019)**
Rahne inherited Moorhead’s high-powered offense and had mixed results. While the offense was still potent under Rahne, the lack of consistency during his tenure, particularly in the passing game, dropped him slightly down the list. However, his efforts in helping develop quarterback Sean Clifford and leading the offense during some critical wins make him an important part of the program’s history.
**5. Tim Banks (Defensive Coordinator, 2018)**
Tim Banks had a brief stint as defensive coordinator before being replaced. While the Nittany Lions struggled defensively during his time, his ability to continue building depth and strength for the future defensive teams of Penn State shouldn’t be overlooked, though his impact wasn’t as immediate as other hires.
In summary, Franklin’s best coordinator hires have contributed to both sides of the ball, bringing a mix of innovation, leadership, and player development. His success in hiring these key figures has helped solidify Penn State as a consistent contender in the Big Ten.
