Penn State added a new defensive coordinator and an old quarterback this week.
The coming season will be a big one for James Franklin, both in terms of proving that the long-term extension he signed last month was a wise investment for a university that is in the midst of a leadership change and showing that the 10 losses in the last 14 months will not be the new norm. There is a long way to go to the starting line of the 2022 season — hell, the 2021 season isn’t even over yet — but it will have no shortage of challenges. Franklin must replace one of the best wide receivers in program history, several transfers-turned-defensive studs, and a few other key starters. And the college football coaching carousel isn’t done spinning yet, meaning it’s a possibility Brent Pry won’t be the only staff departure this winter.
In short, lots of change is coming — some of it needed, some of it unwelcome. Viewed through that lens, the return of Sean Clifford for a sixth year and the addition of Manny Diaz as defensive coordinator make a lot of sense for this coach and the current state of his program.
Clifford has been a Rorschach test for Penn State fans, particularly during the last two years. Some look at him and can’t see past the accuracy issues, the skittishness in the pocket, and are happy to lay the blame for a bevy of team offensive issues at his feet. Others see a tough, hard-working kid who made plays with his arm and his feet, played through numerous injuries and made improvement this season in an offense that didn’t have too much else going for it.
