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James Franklin Admits He's 'Envious' Of Marcus Freeman

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Jan 8, 2025 10:36 AM ET

James Franklin and Marcus Freeman are each enjoying banner seasons leading their respective programs.

On Thursday night, Franklin's Penn State team will take on Freeman's Notre Dame squad in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Orange Bowl. Both men are vying for the chance to become the first African-American head coach in FBS history to lead a team to the national championship game.

While Franklin and Freeman both have a lot to be proud of, the former couldn't help but admit he's a little bit jealous of the latter when it comes to one area: his hairline.

Franklin, who is bald, asked Freeman how old he was during Wednesday morning's Orange Bowl media availability. When Freeman responded "38," Franklin admitted he was "envious" of his full head of hair.

"I mean, look at the hairline on this guy. Envious of the hair line, in a lot of ways," Franklin said.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 02: Head coach Marcus Freeman of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish talks with an official during the fourth quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs during the 91st Allstate Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome on January 02, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

Can't blame Franklin here. As a fellow bald man, that is an impressive hairline Freeman has.

Both coaches enter their historic matchup with their teams firing on all cylinders. Penn State was impressive in Playoff wins over SMU and Boise State, while the Fighting Irish took down Indiana and Georgia.

No matter which man wins and becomes the first African-American coach in an FBS title game, both are set up for future success.

“I just want them to be successful,” said Ty Willingham, the first African-American head coach in Notre Dame history, during a recent interview with Andscape. “Because when they’re successful, that opens the door for another African American, and that’s all we want. Because if that opens that door, then maybe it opens a door for my son, or maybe it opens a door for my grandson, and down the road. The opportunity will be there.”

Notre Dame and Penn State will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET Thursday night on ESPN.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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