James Franklin named to coach of the year watchlist

The Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and the Peach Bowl announced Monday afternoon that James Franklin made their watchlist of coaches.

Franklin is among 21 of the country’s top coaches from all Power Four conferences appearing on the watch list. The Dodd Trophy is college football’s “most coveted national coaching award and is given to the coach who enjoys success on the field while also stressing the importance of scholarship, leadership and integrity.”

The three pillars represent Bobby Dodd’s coaching philosophy.

Franklin is joined by fellow Big Ten coaches Ryan Day ( Ohio State ), Kirk Ferentz ( Iowa ), and Lincoln Riley ( USC ). Last year’s winning Mike Norvell of Florida State is also on this year’s watchlist.

Franklin would seem to have as good a chance as any, considering the quality of his program in Happy Valley.

A midseason watchlist will be revealed in the fall, narrowing the field. After the conclusion of the 2024 season, a panel will identify the final contenders. The 2024 Dodd Trophy winner will be announced in the run-up to the Peach Bowl.

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