12 coaches under the most pressure to make the 12-team playoff in 2024
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.](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_6659,h_3745,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/194/01hn60zgaan1zjfztrg1.jpg)
4. James Franklin
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.