After a disappointing season, Texas A\&M has a clear home-run candidate if they part ways with Michael Earley. Potential replacement: a proven leader with championship pedigree and strong recruiting skills.

When Texas A&M hired Michael Earley as head coach in 2021, the hope was that he would usher in a new era of sustained success for the Aggies. The program, with its rich history, massive fanbase, and large recruiting footprint in the state of Texas, was poised to compete for SEC championships and national relevance under Earley’s leadership. However, after a disappointing season that has left many questioning his ability to lead the team to the next level, the question now looms: Is it time for Texas A&M to move on from Michael Earley?

While the Aggies have not been able to meet the lofty expectations set for them during Earley’s tenure, the Texas A&M program is far from hopeless. The school has the resources, facilities, and fan support necessary to compete at the highest level. However, the on-field product has fallen short of its potential, leaving the program at a crossroads. If Texas A&M decides to make a change at the top, there is one name that stands out as an obvious home-run candidate for the position.

The Disappointing Season Under Earley

The 2024 season was one that Aggie fans would prefer to forget. After years of building hope, Texas A&M finished with a subpar record in the competitive SEC, failing to secure a place in the College Football Playoff conversation. What made the season even more disheartening was that it followed a 2023 campaign that, while not spectacular, seemed to suggest that the program was on the brink of something special. Instead of taking a step forward, the team regressed in key areas, including offensive efficiency, player development, and discipline.

The Aggies struggled to find consistency at quarterback, with multiple players under center, none of whom seemed to elevate the offense. The defense, traditionally a strength of the program, also saw its fair share of breakdowns. Injuries certainly played a role, but there was a growing sense that the team lacked the direction and cohesion that championship-caliber teams typically possess.

Perhaps more frustrating than the losses themselves was the feeling that Texas A&M had the talent to compete but couldn’t put it all together. The Aggies regularly recruited at a high level, bringing in top-tier athletes, but those athletes weren’t maximizing their potential on the field. In a league as competitive as the SEC, where programs like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU are consistently dominant, mediocrity simply isn’t enough. Texas A&M’s lofty ambitions require more than just recruiting well — it requires excellent coaching and player development. And in 2024, that just wasn’t happening.

With fans growing increasingly restless and the program’s national profile diminishing, it seems that a change may be necessary to revitalize the Aggies’ football program. But who would be the ideal candidate to take the reins?

The Obvious Home-Run Candidate

If Texas A&M decides to part ways with Michael Earley, the program needs someone who not only understands the high expectations of the SEC but can also deliver the goods on a consistent basis. The ideal replacement would be a proven leader who knows how to build and sustain a championship-caliber program, while also possessing the ability to recruit at an elite level. One name that immediately comes to mind is James Franklin, the head coach of Penn State.

Franklin is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in college football today, having transformed Penn State into a perennial contender in the Big Ten while competing against some of the toughest teams in the nation. His success at Penn State has been undeniable, leading the Nittany Lions to several top-10 finishes, a Big Ten Championship, and numerous bowl appearances. What’s more, Franklin has done this despite recruiting in a region of the country that isn’t as fertile for talent as Texas, which gives him an even greater edge when considering his potential at Texas A&M.

Franklin’s Proven Track Record

Franklin’s success at Penn State is built on a foundation of solid recruiting, strong player development, and a culture of accountability. In his tenure in Happy Valley, he has demonstrated an ability to bring in top-tier talent, especially on the offensive side of the ball, where Penn State has been competitive year after year. But what truly sets Franklin apart is his ability to consistently get the most out of his players. Whether it’s turning a 3-star recruit into a 1st-round NFL draft pick or navigating difficult seasons with grit and determination, Franklin has shown that he can thrive even in tough circumstances.

One of Franklin’s most notable achievements has been his ability to keep Penn State competitive in the ever-tough Big Ten, which features heavyweights like Ohio State and Michigan. Franklin has been able to recruit and develop players to not only compete with these programs but also to win key matchups, including a Big Ten title in 2016. His ability to manage and motivate his team in big games has been a hallmark of his tenure, and that’s something Texas A&M would desperately need to bring back to College Station.

Franklin’s ability to recruit is another significant factor that makes him a strong candidate. Despite Penn State not being traditionally known as a recruiting powerhouse like Texas, Alabama, or Georgia, Franklin has managed to consistently bring in high-quality players. At Texas A&M, he would have access to one of the richest talent pools in the country, and his track record suggests that he would be able to leverage that to build a sustainable championship contender.

What Franklin Could Bring to Texas A&M

If James Franklin were to take over at Texas A&M, he would inherit a program with the resources and recruiting base to be a perennial SEC contender. The Aggies have a state-of-the-art football facility, a loyal fanbase, and a prime location in one of the country’s best recruiting hotbeds. But perhaps the biggest advantage Texas A&M has over Penn State is its position in the SEC, where recruiting becomes even more important and where Franklin’s skillset as a program builder could shine brighter than ever before.

With the wealth of talent available to him in Texas, Franklin could hit the ground running by bringing in some of the state’s top high school prospects. His ability to develop relationships with recruits and their families, along with his strong ties to high school coaches, would be invaluable in securing some of the state’s most coveted players. Additionally, his success in developing players into NFL prospects would make Texas A&M an attractive destination for top-tier talent.

Another key area where Franklin could make an immediate impact is the development of the Aggies’ offense. Despite having talented quarterbacks and skill players, Texas A&M’s offense has failed to live up to its potential in recent years. Franklin has a proven track record of building effective offenses that not only put up points but also control the game. His ability to blend a strong running game with an efficient passing attack would help take the Aggies’ offense to new heights.

Defensively, Franklin has also shown an ability to build and maintain top-notch units, making his coaching approach balanced. The Aggies have long prided themselves on being a tough, physical team with a dominating defense, and Franklin’s experience in this area would help maintain that tradition while still building a more dynamic offensive team.

The Case for Change

In a world where expectations for college football programs are higher than ever, Texas A&M finds itself in a crucial position. The Aggies have invested significant resources into their football program, and the fanbase expects results. Unfortunately, under Michael Earley’s leadership, those results have not materialized in the way that many hoped. While it’s clear that the team has the talent to compete at a high level, there’s been a consistent failure to translate that potential into on-field success.

If Texas A&M decides to move on from Earley, James Franklin is the obvious home-run candidate. His proven track record as a recruiter, his success in building championship-caliber teams, and his ability to develop players at every position make him the ideal choice for the Aggies. Texas A&M has the resources and talent to be a national powerhouse, and Franklin’s leadership could be the spark the program needs to fulfill its potential.

In the end, college football is a business, and the pressure to win is always intense. If Texas A&M wants to return to the top of the SEC and national relevance, the right coaching hire will be paramount. James Franklin represents a clear and exciting opportunity for the Aggies to take that next step toward greatness.

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