The coaching debates continue with Pat Narduzzi, Pitt vs. James Franklin, Penn State.
The case for Narduzzi:
Quietly, Narduzzi has become the winningest coach the program has had in the post-war era, with a 62-41 overall record in eight seasons at the helm in the Steel City. He’s finished at or above .500 in every season but one and won the ACC in 2021 on the heels of a magical offense led by Kenny Pickett and Jordan Addison. Despite recruiting limitations, he’s done a great job developing talent and having multiple impact players drafted every season.
The case against Narduzzi:
Outside of the 2021 season, the Panthers haven’t been able to win the big one when it matters and seem to lose at least one game every year that they should win easily. Additionally, despite his defensive background, his teams have mostly won on the back of strong offenses.
The case for Franklin:
In what is routinely one of the toughest divisions in college football, Franklin has finished with double-digit wins and a top-10 finish in four of the past six full seasons. While quarterback play has been up and down, the running game is rarely a problem in Happy Valley. The Nittany Lions have also been improving on the trail and currently sit comfortably in the top ten for the class of 2024, led by WPIAL stud Quinton Martin. And in retrospect, the fact that James Frankin was able to have back-to-back 9-4 seasons at Vanderbilt is one of the most impressive coaching jobs of the 21st century.
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The case against Franklin:
Simply put, he can’t win the big one. He’s 4-14 against Michigan and Ohio State, and that won’t cut it for a program that was used to being in national title contention every year for a half-century.
The verdict:
Another tough one with some similar flaws, but Franklin’s recruiting ability, especially with recent momentum, puts him over the top. Narduzzi is the superior player developer, but because of his ability to attract better and better talent to State College, Franklin ends up being the call.
