James Franklin

James Franklin helmed the football programs at Vanderbilt University from 2011 to 2013 and at Penn State from 2014 to 2025. In 2025, he took over as the head coach at Virginia Tech. An unprecedented feat marked his stint at Vanderbilt: leading the team to a bowl game in all three seasons of his tenure—a first in the program's history. The team also achieved a record of 24-15 under his leadership, the highest total wins in three years in Vanderbilt's history. Upon his appointment at Penn State in 2014, Franklin started his tenure with a win in the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College.

Franklin's coaching career has been marked by notable successes, including winning the Big Ten Championship in 2016 and leading the Penn State Nittany Lions to victories in the 2016 Big Ten Football Championship Game and the 2017 "Fiesta Bowl". His leadership also saw Penn State make its first-ever College Football Playoff appearance during the 2024 season. However, Franklin's time at Penn State ended in 2025.

Off the field, Franklin has been recognized for his public speaking and philanthropic efforts. In 2019, he was named Penn State's 43rd Annual Renaissance Fund honoree. His teams at Penn State have also devoted substantial time to service work, including annual visits to the Penn State Children's Hospital. Franklin has been a supporter of "Be the Match," encouraging people to join the national bone marrow registry, and has made significant charitable donations, such as a $10,000 contribution to the Children's Medical Center Dallas in 2019.