In the high-stakes world of college football, where the battle extends far beyond the gridiron, coaches are playing a relentless game of chess. But this isn’t your average, run-of-the-mill match. No, this is 4D chess, with pieces moving in ways that fans can barely keep up with. Every decision, every handshake, every whispered rumor could be the difference between national championship glory or season-ending heartbreak. Right now, two of the game’s biggest tacticians—Penn State’s James Franklin and Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman—are locked in a recruiting slugfest that’s as thrilling as anything you’ll see under the stadium lights.
After a gut-wrenching 24-27 loss to Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl, Penn State has made it clear: history will not repeat itself. But Marcus Freeman? He’s not interested in letting Penn State lick their wounds in peace. Instead, he’s delivered a direct blow to Franklin’s staff by swooping in and snatching Penn State’s prized running backs coach, Ja’Juan Seider. This isn’t just a coaching hire—it’s a statement. But if Freeman thought James Franklin would sit back quietly and take the hit, he seriously misjudged his opponent. Because Franklin? He’s already plotting his next counter-move, and it could be a game-changer.
Marcus Freeman’s Power Play: Poaching Penn State’s Star Coach
Let’s be clear—Ja’Juan Seider wasn’t just any coach at Penn State. He was the heartbeat of their backfield, the mastermind behind the dynamic duo of Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, both of whom smashed through the 1,000-yard rushing mark last season. Seider’s fingerprints are all over Penn State’s offensive success, and his ability to recruit top-tier talent made him one of the most valuable assets on Franklin’s staff. We’re talking about the guy who brought Miles Sanders and Journey Brown into the Nittany Lions’ fold, shaping them into household names in college football.
So, when Marcus Freeman made his move, it wasn’t just about filling a vacancy. This was a strategic ambush—a calculated attempt to weaken a rival and strengthen his own arsenal. Initially, Notre Dame had its sights set on Michigan’s RB coach Tony Alford, but when that door closed, Freeman shifted gears and went after an even bigger fish in Seider. And he landed him.
James Franklin’s Counterpunch: Enter DeMarco Murray
But James Franklin isn’t the type to let a rival steal the spotlight without crafting an epic comeback of his own. With Seider gone, Franklin’s eyes have turned toward one of the hottest names in the coaching circuit: DeMarco Murray, the Oklahoma Sooners’ running backs coach and an absolute legend in both the college and pro ranks.
If you don’t know DeMarco Murray’s story, you’re missing out on a blueprint of football excellence. Back in his college days at Oklahoma (2007-2010), Murray carved out a legacy, racking up 3,685 rushing yards—good enough for seventh in program history—and a staggering 50 touchdowns, placing him second all-time. And that was just the beginning. Murray’s transition to the NFL was nothing short of spectacular. With three Pro Bowl selections under his belt, he dominated the field with the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and Tennessee Titans, becoming a household name in the process.
But Murray didn’t stop there. In 2019, he traded his cleats for a clipboard, diving headfirst into coaching with Arizona before making his triumphant return to Oklahoma. And under his guidance? Players like Kennedy Brooks and Eric Gray flourished, each surpassing 1,000 rushing yards, while others like Rhamondre Stevenson made their mark in the NFL.
So, it’s no surprise that Franklin wants Murray on his sideline. But snagging him won’t be easy. Last season, Ohio State tried—and failed—to lure Murray away from Oklahoma. The Sooners weren’t about to let their star coach go without a fight, offering him a lucrative deal through 2027, complete with a $225,000 raise that bumped his salary to $800,000 a year. But if anyone can pull off this kind of recruiting heist, it’s James Franklin.
Big Moves, Bigger Stakes: NIL and the Coaching Arms Race
Now, here’s where things get even more interesting. This isn’t just about finding a new coach—it’s about flexing those NIL muscles. Franklin’s got the resources and the connections to make a serious play for Murray, much like he did when he pulled out all the stops to land Jim Knowles. NIL deals are becoming the secret weapon in both player and coaching recruitment, and Franklin knows how to wield that power like a pro.
But amidst all the chaos, one thing remains clear: Franklin’s bond with Ja’Juan Seider runs deep. Despite the sting of losing such a valuable coach, Franklin’s not letting it sour the relationship.
Franklin Breaks His Silence on Seider’s Departure
When asked about Seider’s exit, Franklin didn’t mince words, but he also didn’t show any signs of bitterness. His response was measured, respectful, and full of genuine appreciation:
“Ja’Juan Seider, after being with us for seven years, did a great job for us. I am very appreciative of Ja’Juan and his family. His son played for us and was part of our program for a long time. He has moved on, and we wish him nothing but the best. He gave our program and our community seven years and did a really good job for us.”
For Marcus Freeman, this move is a massive win, signaling that Notre Dame is ready to play hardball on the recruiting front. But Franklin’s response? It’s the kind of calm confidence that suggests he’s already three steps ahead in this coaching chess match.
What’s Next in This Coaching Showdown?
This isn’t just a story about a coach leaving or another one potentially arriving. This is about two powerhouse programs gearing up for what could be an epic collision course—whether it’s in the regular season, the playoffs, or even a national championship showdown.
Both Penn State and Notre Dame are assembling their coaching staffs like superhero teams, each looking for that perfect combination of experience, innovation, and recruiting prowess. The question isn’t just who’s hiring the best coaches—it’s who’s building the better dynasty?
As the coaching carousel spins at breakneck speed, one thing’s for certain: the battle between James Franklin and Marcus Freeman is far from over. The stakes? Sky-high. The drama? Unmatched. And the next move? Well, that’s what we’ll be watching for.
Buckle up, college football fans. The real game is just getting started.
