Evolution of Coaching at Penn State: 2012-2024 Review

6 minute read

In 2011, the Penn State football program was at a critical point, as they needed to suddenly choose a new head coach following the Sandusky scandal. This time was significant for the team, and filled with speculation about potential coaching candidates. The choices made during this period have had a lasting impact on the program's direction, affecting its on-field performance, reputation, and position in college football. We set out to examine the series of coaching decisions made from that point onwards and evaluate their impact on the team including considerations around college football betting odds.

A portrait of Penn State coach 'James Franklin' for the coaching evolution of Penn State.

Penn State's Coaching Journey Post-2011

Following 2011, Penn State's football program faced a crucial period that required the leadership of a new coach to guide the team through adversity and uphold the program's integrity. The managers of the Nittany Lions were on the lookout for someone who had a proven track record, ethical leadership, and could align with the university's values of respect, excellence, and community. These leadership decisions not only aimed to steer the program through challenging times but also sought to stabilize the college football odds in their favor, highlighting the significant impact of such choices on betting on football.

Bill O'Brien Era (2012-2013)

Bill O'Brien took over as head coach in January 2012. His prior success with the New England Patriots set high expectations for his tenure at Penn State.

Throughout his leadership, O'Brien navigated the team through challenging times. His focus on both athletic and academic excellence left a lasting impact on the program.

Season Records:

2012: O’Brian led the Nittany Lions to an 8-4 record, overcoming NCAA sanctions with victories like the one against No. 24 Northwestern.
2013: The team achieved a 7-5 record, and one of their highlighted performances was their win against No. 14 Wisconsin in the last game, which showcased the team’s perseverance.

Player Development and Success:

During O’Brian’s time as coach, Allen Robinson stood out as the Big Ten's leading receiver for two years, and he later joined the NFL with first-team All-Big Ten honors for 2012 and 2013.
Matt McGloin also improved his skills and grew to be a top player under the careful guidance of O’Brien. He progressed from a walk-on to the team's starting quarterback to a star player of the NFL.

Academic Excellence:

O’Brian was also known for his focus on academic excellence, and during his time at the team players consistently achieved Academic All-Big Ten honors.

Memorable Victories:

The team’s win against Wisconsin, on November 24, 2012, at Beaver Stadium with a score of 24-21 in overtime showcased the team’s return to form and their ability to overcome adversity.

James Franklin Era (2014-Present)

Since taking the helm in 2014, James Franklin has transformed the Penn State football program, by using his previous experience at Vanderbilt to turn the Nittany Lions into top contenders in the Big Ten.

Performance and Championships:

Under James Franklin, the Nittany Lions saw a marked improvement in their performance, which peaked during the 2016 season when they won the college football Big 10 Championship with an 11-3 record. This victory also re-established the team as a dominant force in college football.

Postseason Achievements:

Franklin's leadership guided the team to a number of appearances in important bowl games, such as the 2016 Rose Bowl. During this time they also secured a win at the Fiesta Bowl in 2017.

Player Accomplishments and NFL Football Teams Transition:

Saquon Barkley's rise as a standout running back under Franklin's guidance culminated in numerous awards and his selection as the second overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Mike Gesicki's development into a premier tight end further illustrates Franklin’s capacity to cultivate NFL-ready talent.

Strategic Recruitment and Development:

Franklin’s strategic approach to recruitment has revitalized the Nittany Lions' competitive edge, and this can best be seen by the inclusion of players like Saquon Barkley, whose performance against Iowa in 2017 was crucial for the team’s victory.

NFL Draft Success:

Franklin has also focused on preparing his athletes for professional leagues, and the program has seen a significant surge in the number of players being drafted into the NFL. Some of these notable players include Barkley and Mike Gesicki.

Both O'Brien and Franklin have left a lasting legacy on Penn State's football program through their dedication to player development, academic excellence, and cultural transformation, and their efforts have gone a long way to setting a standard for future college football coaches.

Penn State Football: Nittany Lions Achievements and Milestones Since 2011

Since 2011, the Penn State Football team’s success has grown exponentially with many significant milestones and achievements. Here are more detailed highlights:

2012 Season: Under Bill O'Brien, the team achieved an 8-4 record, which was an impressive feat despite the NCAA sanctions imposed on the program.
2016 Big Ten Championship: The Nittany Lions won the College Football Big Ten Championship by defeating Wisconsin 38-31, marking a major turnaround for the program. This victory secured their position in the Rose Bowl, which is one of the most prestigious college bowl games.
Fiesta Bowl Victory in 2017: The Nittany Lions secured a 35-28 win over Washington, which was its first Fiesta Bowl victory since 1997.
Cotton Bowl Victory in 2019: The Nittany Lions ended a successful season with a 53-39 win over Memphis in the Cotton Bowl Classic.
Notable Player Achievements: Saquon Barkley won the Paul Hornung Award in 2017 for being the most versatile player in college football. Additionally, many players made the switch to professional football and have been drafted into the NFL.
Consistent Top 25 Rankings: Penn State has consistently ranked in the AP Top 25 College Football Poll.
Academic Success: Penn State has always encouraged a healthy balance between athletics and academics amongst its players. The football program has excelled academically, with a significant number of players being named to the Academic All-Big 10 College Football Team.

Penn State: 2024 College Football Championship Odds and Season Outlook

Penn State's football team is focusing on key improvements for the upcoming season. The plan includes advancing the skills of wide receivers and quarterbacks, while also refining offensive strategies involving key players like Singleton and Allen. Strengthening defensive tactics is also a priority to better meet the challenges posed by tough opponents.

Under Coach James Franklin, the Nittany Lions are gearing up for a promising 2024 season. The team is set to start official practices in early August, focusing on strategic planning, player development, and conditioning to ensure readiness for their opening game against West Virginia.

Key Areas of Improvement:

Wide Receiver Development

Coach James Franklin is focused on maximizing the talent within Penn State's receiver corps, which boasts a mix of 3- and 4-star recruits. This strategy will include developing the skills of Julian Fleming and Tre Wallace, while also increasing the contributions of less utilized receivers such as Liam Clifford, Kaden Saunders, Omari Evans, Malick McClain, and Carmelo Taylor.

Quarterback Growth

Starting quarterback Drew Allar, entering his second year, is expected to significantly improve, with the potential to be a top NFL Draft pick in 2025. The adaptation to Kotelnicki’s dynamic offense, characterized by its shifts, motions, and alignments, aims to facilitate quicker and more accessible openings for receivers, and his adjustment is anticipated to complement the quarterback’s large build and arm strength.

Offensive Strategy: Utilization of Singleton and Allen

Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen are set to play pivotal roles in the 2024 season. Despite facing challenges in breaking through defenses consistently in 2023, their performance in the season finale and Peach Bowl exhibited their potential as effective runners and receivers. The offensive strategy for 2024 will focus on positioning them in open spaces where they can best utilize their abilities.

Defensive Strengths and Improvements

Under Coach James Franklin, Penn State has struggled in crucial evenly matched games. The focus is on increasing impactful pressure in these matches, with players like Dani Dennis-Sutton and others such as Abdul Carter, Amin Vanover, and Jameial Lyons expected to play crucial roles. Their efforts, along with experienced and emerging players like linebacker Tony Rojas, aim to boost the pass rush and strengthen defense overall.

The 2024 schedule includes tough road games against USC and Wisconsin, and a key home game against Ohio State. A win against West Virginia is expected, but success in at least two of the major games following is vital for meeting this season's goals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the period since 2011 has been one of substantial growth and recovery for Penn State Football. With Bill O'Brien and James Franklin at the helm, the program has successfully overcome significant challenges and achieved notable successes. These include winning a Big Ten College Football Championship and securing victories in several key bowl games. This time has also seen the development of players who have achieved success both on the field and academically, highlighting the program's dedication to excellence across all areas. Looking ahead, Penn State Football aims to continue this trajectory, focusing on achieving further success and fostering the development of its players and community.

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Paul Richard is a professional sports betting and casino content writer with over three years of experience. He provides expert tips, strategies, and betting advice to help bettors succeed.