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James Franklin announces play-caller for Cotton Bowl, discusses search for offensive coordinator
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On Friday, Penn State coach James Franklin spoke with the media ahead of his team’s Cotton Bowl game — slated for Saturday, Dec. 28 against Memphis.
Franklin talked about many topics, but one involved the vacancy at offensive coordinator. Ricky Rahne left that position recently to take the head coaching job at Old Dominion.
RELATED: James Franklin issues statement on long-time assistant Ricky Rahne taking Old Dominion job
Rahne was the play-caller for the Nittany Lions this season, and Franklin talked about who would call plays for the team against Memphis as well:
Franklin: For the game, Tyler Bowen will call plays.
— Rich Scarcella (@nittanyrich) December 20, 2019
Tyler Bowen, who will call #PennState plays in Cotton Bowl, was OC at Fordham. He's been the TE coach here.
— Rich Scarcella (@nittanyrich) December 20, 2019
Franklin: Spoken to a lot of people (about OC) and studied analytics. We need someone who's going to come in and blend.
— Rich Scarcella (@nittanyrich) December 20, 2019
Franklin: Tyler Bowen and other staff members will receive consideration for the OC job.
— Rich Scarcella (@nittanyrich) December 20, 2019
Franklin on when OC might be hired: I don't know. When I've made the decision, you guys will know.
— Rich Scarcella (@nittanyrich) December 20, 2019
Franklin: Most of the people we're talking to are sitting coordinators in college or the NFL.
— Rich Scarcella (@nittanyrich) December 20, 2019
Franklin said it would be harmful to the search for OC to discuss more details.
— Rich Scarcella (@nittanyrich) December 20, 2019
Franklin wants to get his offensive coordinator hire right. As he should. The Nittany Lions will have plenty of people wanting the position. And, maybe with Tyler Bowen getting a crack at calling plays against Memphis, he might be able to prove himself to be a worthy candidate with a successful performance.
Kevin covers Big Ten football for Saturday Tradition.