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James Franklin responds to idea of Drew Allar being involved in OC hiring process
By Paul Harvey
Published:
James Franklin has a major piece of his coaching staff to replace following the season. On Sunday, it was confirmed that offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich was being fired effective immediately after a disappointing showing vs. Michigan.
At his Monday press conference, Franklin fielded a number of questions related to the decision. He was particularly asked how starting quarterback Drew Allar handled the news.
Franklin admitted decisions like this one are tough because it’s difficult to make sure the players and families of the players are the first to find out about decisions:
“I guess the first thing is these are tough decisions, right? And what makes it even tougher is it’s hard to keep things quiet,” said Franklin. “I think we did a pretty good job with it, but it’s hard to keep things quiet and not because we’re trying to keep information from you guys. I’m trying to be respectful of the process… I’m trying to be respectful of the QBs.”
As for his plan, Franklin said the QB group was the first to find out after Yurcich was formally let go. The players also found out prior to Sunday’s practice, but the news leaked out before he could talk with the families of his QBs.
“With Drew, I met with all of the QBs first, they were the first to know. I met with them before the team meeting, then I met with the team. The plan was for them to call their parents after practice and let them know, then I was going to call them after practice and talk through any questions or concerns that they had,” Franklin revealed. “And that plan went according to plan except for while we were at practice it leaked out and then the parents found out before I was able to get to them. But besides that, the QBs heard from me, the players heard from me. It’s something we don’t take lightly.”
Franklin was then asked about Allar potentially being involved with the hiring process for the next OC. He said Allar would not be involved with the process, but Franklin did say it’s important to find the right OC to fit his QB and vice versa.
“In terms of being involved in the hiring process: No. But, in terms of, are they a part of that decision? Yes, in terms of who I’m bringing in, why I’m bringing them in, do they fit the person that I’m bringing in,” said Franklin. “The person I’m bringing in, does that fit for them? Does everybody understand what they’re signing up for? All those things, yes, and then just like this decision, I’d like them to be the first to know.”
It goes without saying but finding the right OC to unlock the full talent of Allar is vital for the Nittany Lions to take another step forward. We’ll see who that ends up being down the road.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.