James Franklin, Orange Bowl

Why James Franklin–Marcus Freeman Matchup Is Progress for Black Coaches
The two will meet in the College Football Playoff semifinals with the winner becoming the first Black head coach to reach the college football title game.
An inspiration to Black coaches: James Franklin's historic position in the Orange Bowl
As James Franklin prepares for the Orange Bowl, the Nittany Lions head coach reflected on how two Black head coaches can impact the future.
Franklin, Freeman representing Black football coaches on national stage at Orange Bowl
Either Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman or Penn State’s James Franklin will become the first Black coach to compete for a college football national championship.
Two Black Coaches Are About to Make College Football History. It Could Be Just the Start.
Penn State’s James Franklin and Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman are the first nonwhite coaches to reach the playoff semifinals. Hiring shifts suggest they won’t be the last.
Penn State’s Franklin, Notre Dame’s Freeman can become 1st Black coach in national championship
When No. 6 Penn State and No. 7 Notre Dame take the field Thursday for their College Football Playoff semifinal in the Orange Bowl, head coaches James Franklin and Marcus Freeman will be on the brink of history.
Will James Franklin be first Black head coach in FBS championship?
College football will see its first Black head coach guide his team to the national championship game at the highest level of the game with either Penn State’s James Franklin or Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman.
Opinion
James Franklin or Marcus Freeman will be first Black head coach in FBS championship
Marcus Freeman or James Franklin will become the first Black head coach to make an FBS national championship game. This is an historic moment.
Black coaches in college football: How Marcus Freeman or James Franklin will make history in 2025 championship game
In line with the 12-team playoff's historic nature, the CFP semifinals feature a matchup that will guarantee more history in the national championship game.

James Franklin, Penn State

After 155 Years, A Black Head Coach Will Finally Vie For CFB’s Crown
In the 155 years since the 1st college football game there's never been a Black head coach in the Championship, until this ...
Black coaches have shot at college football title a generation after that milestone was hit in hoops
John Thompson led Georgetown to the championship in 1984, the first of four Black coaches to win it all. Carolyn Peck and her ...