James Franklin ponders learning curve for new members of coaching staff

James Franklin believes that while there is a learning curve for recently hired staff members, it’s not as dramatic as the one other conferences have to deal with.

Speaking with the media, the Penn State leader was asked whether he thinks it takes a certain amount of time to adjust to new surroundings, specifically speaking on the growth of Nittany Lions’ coordinators Mike Yurcich and Manny Diaz.

To that point, Franklin responded that it depends more on which conference you’re in, and apparently the Big Ten is easier to adjust to than other Power Five leagues.

“I think that’s probably more important when you have a league that’s got, maybe some very specific offenses or defenses, in terms of looks that you may not see a whole lot,” started Franklin. “Iowa State, with a three-safety look. A ton of three-three stack defenses. Like, unusual things you don’t really see. For offenses, whether it’s the option attack, or really fast tempo teams, that’s where I think you really get an understanding of the league, and who people are, that becomes really important.

“But a league like us, I think the learning curve is less impactful.”

Maybe that’s why Franklin has been able to get so much out of his coordinators without much time for them to get their feet wet.

Yurcich, the team’s offensive coordinator, joined Penn State in 2021, while Diaz was hired before last season after Brent Pry left for the Virginia Tech Hokies. Both men have been more than solid in their roles, and have helped Penn State get to a point where they’re being picked by many to win the Big Ten in 2023.

Last season, Penn State finished 11-2 on the season, only falling to the two best teams in the Big Ten, the Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines. They’re clearly on the rise, but they’re going to have to defeat their aforementioned rivals if they’re to take the next step as a program.

Still, the season ended in grand fashion, as the Nittany Lions captured victory in the 2023 Rose Bowl, defeating the Utah Utes by a score of 35-21.

If what James Franklin believes about coordinators adjusting is true, then 2023 should be a fantastic season for both Mike Yurcich and Manny Diaz. Penn State has big dreams for next season, and they’ll need both to be at their best if they’re to make the noise they’re expecting.

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