Penn State football: 5 replacements for James Franklin if he leaves for USC or LSU
By John Buhler
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 2. player. Offensive Coordinator. Oregon Ducks. Joe Moorhead. 820
Joe Moorhead would be an easy choice to make if James Franklin does leave
If James Franklin really does leave Happy Valley for another job, without question, one of the finalists for the job would have to be his former offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead. While his two-run at Mississippi State did not end well, Moorhead has rebounded as the excellent offensive coordinator for Mario Cristobal at Oregon. He could replace Cristobal if he leaves Eugene as well.
However, there may not be a serious head-coaching candidate that is best equipped to replace Franklin if he leaves than Moorhead. The players and program know what he is about. While promoting a coordinator from within off a great coach’s staff is a tricky proposition, going with Moorhead is so different. He has SEC and Pac-12 experience readily available to him this time.
For the Pittsburgh native, this would be a dream job for him to attain. If offered the job, he would accept it, no matter how much Nike money Phil Knight could throw his way if Cristobal leaves Oregon. Again, this is a hiring most people would get behind. He may be the top candidate for all we know. However, there is one Power Five head coach out there worth taking a swing on.
Moorhead would be the favorite to replace Franklin, but you have to take this home-run cut first.