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The coaching carousel isn't limited to just the college level as there will be plenty of changes to high school staffs over the next couple of months.
Over the weekend, former Florida State star running back James Wilder Jr. announced that he was taking over as the head coach at Chamberlain High School in Tampa. The move marked the first time that Wilder Jr. has had the opportunity to lead a program since he got into coaching a couple of years ago.
It didn't take long for another 2013 national champion to join him on the sidelines. Earlier this week, former Seminole quarterback John Franklin III tossed his hat into the ring alongside Wilder Jr. as a member of his coaching staff with the Storm.
This is believed to be Franklin III's first venture into coaching as he's played in the NFL, XFL, and USFL since going undrafted in 2018. Presumably, he'll be working on the offensive side of the ball but his exact role is still unclear.
Wilder Jr. and Franklin will be part of an effort to turn around Chamberlain High School. The program has compiled a 3-17 record over the last two years, including a 0-10 finish in 2023. Wilder Jr. previously coached as an assistant at Jefferson High School (Tampa) and Plant High School.
Franklin III bounced around throughout his college career. He spent two years at Florida State before transferring to East Mississippi Community College. After one season in JUCO, Franklin III landed at Auburn but moved on to play his final year at Florida Atlantic. He played quarterback, running back, and wide receiver during his various stops.
The dynamic athlete latched on with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent after trying out as a defensive back. He landed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the following year as a wide receiver and latched on with the team for several years. Franklin III was even on the roster for the Buccaneers' run to a Super Bowl LV victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Most recently, Franklin III was a member of the USFL's Memphis Showboats, who have since moved to the United Football League in a merger with the XFL. It's unknown if he'll continue to pursue a professional career in football.
Chamberlain High School will have an entire offseason to adjust to Wilder Jr.'s style as he continues to fill out his inaugural coaching staff.
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