On January 13, the Phi Sigma Kappa Twitter administrator posted this tweet: “James Franklin joins Dick Harlow as the 2nd Phi Sigma Kappa brother to become the head [foot]ball coach at PSU. #DamnProud.” Click below to read more about Coach Franklin’s tie to the Greek community.
On January 13, the Phi Sigma Kappa Twitter administrator posted this tweet: “James Franklin joins Dick Harlow as the 2nd Phi Sigma Kappa brother to become the head [foot]ball coach at PSU. #DamnProud.”
A Langhorne, Pa., native and Phi Sig graduate from East Stroudsburg University, Franklin is no stranger to the concept of leadership. In 1994, he was named by Sports Illustrated as a National Player of the Week. From an early start as the wide receivers coach at Kutztown University to his most recent turnaround success as the head coach at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., his focus on the Phi Sig principle of “producing men of wisdom who will be better prepared to make positive contributions to society and all mankind” is at the foundation of his coaching philosophy.
Clearly, it isn’t just Phi Sigs who are celebrating the arrival of this new leader in Happy Valley. While many Penn State alumni across the Greek community are sending off Coach Bill O’Brien with their well-wishes and gratitude for his leadership at one of the lowest points in Penn State history, there is tangible excitement over the arrival of this steward who is energized to usher in a new chapter in Penn State football.
“I am excited that James Franklin is a fraternity member, as I always am when I see members of our fraternity and sorority community taking leadership roles and doing great things,” states Dan Combs, newly elected Interfraternity Council president at Penn State. “That aside, I really am just excited to see what Franklin will do for this university and the football program. We have already seen an effort from Franklin to become more than a football coach but also a role model in the Penn State community. Knowing he has big expectations to meet, we wish him the best of luck and hope we will see him at a few of our campus events.”
We are very interested in knowing what you think about the hiring of Coach Franklin and what impact you think he will have on the future of Penn State football, Greek life and alumni support in the coming year. E-mail us at [email protected] with your comments. (Please include your name, chapter and grad year.)
For more on the arrival of Coach Franklin, go to HappyValley.com.
Photo Credit: Annemarie Mountz