Haines was a finalist for the Broyles Award (top assistant) in 2024 and a semifinalist for the award in 2023. During Allen’s one season in State College, Penn State, the Lions finished No. 7 in FBS in total defense (294.8), No. 8 in scoring defense (16.5) and No. 9 in rushing defense (101.9).

Penn State coach James Franklin stressed the need for uniformity around college football, especially as it relates to the College Football Playoff, and said every team should be in a conference.

Penn State head coach James Franklin speaks during a news conference for the Orange Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff game, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, in Dania Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

Penn State plays Notre Dame Thursday night in the Orange Bowl in one of the two College Football Playoff semifinals.

DANIA BEACH, Fla. — The Big Ten plays nine conference games in football. So does the Big 12. The Atlantic Coast Conference and the Southeastern Conference are among those playing eight-game league schedules. The Mountain West played seven during the most recent regular season. Notre Dame doesn't have even have a league.

James Franklin is tired of the lack of transparency regarding the conference alignment debate around college football.

The Big Ten plays nine conference games in football. So does the Big 12. The Southeastern Conference and the Atlantic Coast Conference are among those playing eight-game league schedules.

Four schools from the west coast are in the traditionally midwestern Big Ten ... Penn State coach James Franklin said he believes that “everybody should be in a conference,” citing a desire ...

Penn State's head coach explains his plan for improving college football. It includes Notre Dame finally joining a conference.