James Franklin shares priorities in Penn State football DC search

For the first time since 2015, Penn State football must replace both coordinators in a single offseason. With offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki now hired and introduced, James Franklin embarks on replacing Manny Diaz on the defensive side of the ball. The Nittany Lions‘ defense has a solid foundation, which makes it an attractive position. But there’s also an expectation for the next defensive coordinator to maintain this success. During Peach Bowl media day today, James Franklin explained the ideal qualities that will ultimately lead him to his next critical hire.

James Franklin shares priority qualities in defensive coordinator search

The news came fast and furious during Peach Bowl media day today in Happy Valley. But taking center stage was an update on the vacant defensive coordinator position after Manny Diaz left to become the Duke head coach last week.

James Franklin explained that safeties coach Anthony Poindexter and analyst Robb Smith will handle the defensive play calling duties for the Nittany Lions’ bowl game.

While he expressed that he’d like a hire to be made “yesterday,” the Penn State football coach also shared insight on the qualities he’s looking for in his next defensive coordinator.

“Obviously, someone who has got extensive defensive coordinator experience,” Franklin said of what he’s looking for in a candidate. “Someone who runs a similar scheme and philosophy. Because our current players have had a lot of success in the current system. I’ve had three defensive coordinators that have all been able to play at a high level, and we’ve taken a similar approach with all three. But then we’ve also recruited towards a certain scheme, as well.”

“You do in-person interviews,” he continued. “You do Zoom interviews. You watch film on your own. You study the data and the analytics and what they say. And then, on top of that, I think most importantly, you’re looking for a fit. You’re looking for a fit with our players. You’re looking for a fit with the staff, a fit in the community.

Beyond that, someone with head coaching experience is not a necessity, but a plus.

“If somebody had head coaching experience, I think there’s value in that,” Franklin said. I think Manny’s time as a head coach was valuable. [Special teams coordinator] Stacy Collins has value as a previous head coach. I don’t think it’s the end all be all, but it’s helpful if we can find it.”

Penn State exploring both internal and external candidates at this time

Earlier this week, James Franklin explained that Penn State football is handling its defensive coordinator search similar to how it handled the hiring of Andy Kotelnicki several weeks ago. As of Monday, the Nittany Lions head coach was still exploring if an internal or external hire is the best way to go.

“We will handle [preparing for the bowl game] internally very similar to how we handled it on offense for the last few games of the season,” Franklin said. “And obviously trying to also balance that while also interviewing and trying to decide what we are going to do moving forward with our defensive coordinator position. Whether it’s an internal candidate or an external candidate, we’re working through that right now. But we’ll handle it like we have on offense the last few games of the season.”

Penn State football takes on Ole Miss in the 2023 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on December 30.

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