For all the noise, pressure, and spotlight that comes with being a major college football coach, James Franklin has found peace in the most unassuming of ways. After the intensity of game day fades and Beaver Stadium’s roar quiets down, the Penn State head coach retreats to a setting far removed from the public eye: his basement.
In a candid conversation about life beyond the sidelines, Franklin shared a glimpse of his postgame ritual—one that blends simplicity, reflection, and a dash of humor. He explained that after a game, whether a nail-biting victory or a difficult loss, he slips into a pair of boxers and a T-shirt, settles in alone, and rewatches football.
“It’s my way of unwinding,” Franklin admitted. “The adrenaline’s still there, and it’s hard to just turn it off. So I go downstairs, put the game back on, and just watch—no distractions, just me, football, and some quiet.”
For many fans, this intimate detail humanizes the coach who is so often seen pacing the sidelines, barking instructions, and carrying the weight of an entire program’s expectations. It’s a reminder that beneath the headset and game-day intensity, Franklin is simply a man who finds comfort in routine.
The ritual also reflects Franklin’s obsessive commitment to the game. By revisiting the match immediately, he can reflect on critical plays, evaluate decisions, and prepare mentally for what comes next. “It’s part relaxation, part homework,” he joked. “But it works for me.”
Penn State players and fans may see him as a tireless leader, but in those quiet hours after a game, Franklin’s world narrows down to the basement, a TV screen, and the clothes of a man who’s finally letting his guard down.
It’s not glamorous, but perhaps that’s what makes it so fitting: even in solitude, Franklin embodies the balance between football obsession and human simplicity.