Notre Dame’s James Franklin has been honored as the MFC College Coach of the Year, edging out high-profile contenders including Deion Sanders and several other top coaching rivals for the prestigious recognition.
James Franklin’s selection as the MFC College Coach of the Year marks a defining moment not only for Notre Dame football but also for his own decorated coaching career. In a season filled with headline-grabbing personalities, breakout programs, and seismic shifts across the college football landscape, Franklin’s steady leadership, strategic excellence, and ability to elevate Notre Dame to new competitive heights ultimately set him apart from the crowd. Among the finalists were coaches with bigger media profiles and louder narratives—most notably Deion Sanders—but in the end, Franklin’s results spoke louder than any soundbite. What he achieved at Notre Dame this past season represents the culmination of years of experience, tactical evolution, and cultural transformation.
Franklin’s rise to the top of the MFC coaching ranks did not happen overnight. Known throughout the sport as a meticulous planner and elite recruiter, Franklin took on the Notre Dame job with high expectations and even higher pressure. The Fighting Irish have long been a proud and historic program, but in recent years they’ve searched for the right coach to bring consistency at the highest levels of competition. Franklin’s arrival represented a shift in philosophy. No longer would Notre Dame rely solely on tradition and national brand appeal—they would now lean into modern tactics, cutting-edge analytics, and a player-first developmental approach that Franklin has championed throughout his career. This year, that philosophy paid off in spectacular fashion.
The 2025 season saw Notre Dame execute one of the most balanced campaigns in recent program memory. Offensively, Franklin’s system maximized the strengths of a talented roster while minimizing risk. He integrated pro-style principles with spread concepts, giving opposing defenses a constantly shifting look while allowing his quarterbacks to flourish. His use of motion, creative route combinations, and flexible run schemes forced opponents to stay honest, and that balance kept Notre Dame in control of game tempo from start to finish. While other programs leaned heavily on individual superstars or flashy offensive explosions, Franklin’s team succeeded through cohesion, execution, and depth.
Defensively, Franklin brought in a staff that emphasized speed, discipline, and situational awareness. Notre Dame consistently ranked near the top of national metrics for third-down defense, red-zone efficiency, and turnover margin. That wasn’t by accident—it was a product of relentless preparation and schematic versatility. Week after week, Franklin’s defense adapted to each opponent, showcasing multiple fronts, deceptive coverage shells, and exotic blitz packages. In a conference loaded with explosive offenses, Notre Dame’s ability to disrupt rhythm and force mistakes became one of their greatest assets.
Yet Franklin’s influence went far beyond the Xs and Os. What truly separated him from other top coaches like Deion Sanders was his ability to build a sustainable culture of accountability, development, and resilience. Franklin understood that championship-level football requires more than talent—it demands a locker room united by shared goals, mutual respect, and relentless work ethic. From offseason conditioning programs to in-game leadership, Franklin fostered an environment where players believed not just in the system, but in each other. That culture was evident in how Notre Dame responded to adversity, overcame injuries, and finished close games with poise.
Comparisons to Deion Sanders became inevitable as the season progressed. Sanders’ high-octane approach at Colorado commanded attention, fueled headlines, and brought celebrity-style buzz to college football. His recruiting coups, media visibility, and social media influence made him a household name beyond the sport. But while Sanders generated flash, Franklin delivered substance. Where Sanders’ teams struggled with consistency and depth, Franklin’s Fighting Irish thrived on precision and cohesion. While Sanders often shouldered the spotlight himself, Franklin distributed praise to his assistants and players. The contrast was stark: one coach was a cultural icon, the other was a strategic architect. In the end, the MFC chose substance over spectacle.
Franklin’s journey to this point has been defined by adaptability and perseverance. Before landing at Notre Dame, he proved himself at Vanderbilt and Penn State, two programs with vastly different expectations and challenges. At Vanderbilt, he made the Commodores relevant in the SEC—no small feat. At Penn State, he navigated the lingering effects of a program in turmoil and turned them into consistent contenders in the Big Ten. Those experiences taught Franklin how to build, rebuild, and evolve, all while maintaining integrity and vision. Notre Dame gave him the platform and resources to execute his plan at the highest level, and he responded with his most complete coaching performance to date.
The players have responded in kind. Under Franklin’s leadership, Notre Dame’s roster has blossomed with NFL-caliber talent, homegrown player development, and elite-level recruiting. He’s shown a knack for evaluating overlooked prospects and turning them into stars, while still winning high-profile battles on the recruiting trail. This season, several of his players earned All-American honors, and many others improved their draft stock dramatically. Perhaps most importantly, Franklin has instilled in his athletes a sense of purpose that extends beyond football. Academic achievement, community involvement, and character development have all been emphasized throughout his tenure, reinforcing Notre Dame’s longstanding commitment to developing the whole person.
Franklin’s award also speaks to the larger evolution of coaching in college football. In an era where NIL deals, transfer portal dynamics, and social media branding increasingly define the sport, Franklin has remained true to core values while still embracing modernity. He’s adapted without compromising, evolved without abandoning, and innovated without chasing trends. That balance is rare—and it’s exactly why he was able to surpass coaches like Sanders, who represent a different but equally influential model of leadership.
Critics will argue that media narratives and market size played a role in shaping public perceptions of candidates like Deion Sanders. And it’s true—Sanders’ every move was dissected and magnified in a way that Franklin’s never was. But when the MFC voters evaluated the totality of the season—on-field success, player development, leadership under pressure, and program trajectory—Franklin’s résumé stood above the rest. His recognition isn’t a slight against others; it’s a testament to what can be achieved with meticulous planning, high standards, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Another factor that played in Franklin’s favor was Notre Dame’s performance in big games. Whether it was rivalry matchups, primetime clashes, or late-season showdowns with playoff implications, Franklin’s team consistently rose to the occasion. His game plans were sharp, his team prepared, and his adjustments timely. In contrast, several other high-profile coaches stumbled in critical moments, often due to breakdowns in discipline or game management. Franklin’s cool demeanor and attention to detail provided stability when it mattered most, and that reliability was not lost on those who cast votes for Coach of the Year.
There is also the matter of expectations. Deion Sanders’ teams were expected to make dramatic leaps, but when they faltered, the disappointment was glaring. For Franklin, the bar at Notre Dame was already high—and he exceeded it. Expectations weren’t just to win games—they were to contend for championships. Franklin delivered a season that not only met those lofty goals but reinvigorated belief in the program’s future trajectory. It wasn’t just a good season—it was a statement.
As the offseason progresses, the ripple effects of Franklin’s Coach of the Year award will be felt across the landscape of college football. Recruits will take notice. Donors and boosters will be energized. Notre Dame’s profile as a coaching destination will rise. And perhaps most importantly, Franklin will have further validation that his approach—one rooted in discipline, development, and adaptability—is not only relevant in the modern era but capable of outperforming even the sport’s biggest personalities.
What’s next for James Franklin and Notre Dame is anyone’s guess, but the foundation has clearly been set for sustained success. With another strong recruiting class on the horizon, returning veteran talent, and a proven coaching infrastructure, there’s every reason to believe the Irish will remain in the national conversation for years to come. Franklin will face new challenges, including evolving competitive dynamics and managing rising expectations, but those are challenges he has shown himself more than capable of navigating.
The MFC College Coach of the Year award is not just a recognition of one great season—it’s a validation of an entire philosophy. Franklin’s success sends a clear message that in a sport increasingly driven by hype and headlines, there is still room—and reward—for substance, structure, and long-term vision. While Deion Sanders and other rivals may dominate the airwaves, James Franklin is dominating the scoreboard, the film room, and the hearts of his players.
Ultimately, Franklin’s legacy at Notre Dame will be defined not just by wins and accolades, but by the culture he has built and the standard he has set. His Coach of the Year honor is a moment of recognition—but also a sign of greater things to come. In the eyes of his players, his peers, and the MFC, James Franklin has not only arrived—he has taken his place among the very best in college football.
