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12 coaches under the most pressure to make the 12-team playoff in 2024

Which FBS coaches are under the most pressure heading into the 2024 season with expectations that they will lead their programs to the new 12-team College Football Playoffs?

By Sam Fariss

Dec 2, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart.
Dec 2, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart. / Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
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4. James Franklin

Dec 30, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin.
Dec 30, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin. / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Having James Franklin so high on this list may surprise some of you. However, with Penn State never appearing in the four-team playoffs, the Nittany Lions need to find a top-12 spot next season.

Taking over the Penn State head coaching position in 2014, Franklin has struggled to find consistency for his team. Playing against formidable opponents in the Big Ten such as Michigan and Ohio State regularly doesn’t help.

Even with the tough regular season matchups, Franklin has recruited well and has the star power a team needs to find a ticket to the CFPs.

Despite having roster members like Saquon Barkley, Trace McSorley, and Micah Parsons, Franklin and the Nittany Lions are continually bumped out of a playoff spot.

Hopefully, for Franklin’s sake, Penn State can be coached into a top-12 ranking at the end of the season and punch their ticket to the 2024 playoffs.

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