Since taking over Penn State Football as head coach in 2014, James Franklin has transformed the team into a consistent powerhouse. His coaching record speaks volumes—101 wins, a Big Ten championship in 2016, and 8-6 in Bowl games. His ability to build winning teams and his prowess as a recruiter have solidified his reputation as one of the best minds in college football. But off the field, coach James Franklin reports to his wifey, Fumi Franklin.

Their love story began in 1998 at Washington State University. At the time, James was coaching his TEs while Fumi was pursuing her graduate studies. Their paths crossed in the bustling university environment, and though their connection didn’t immediately lead to romance, fate had other plans. Years later, the pair reconnected through a mutual friend in Maryland. “It felt like we picked up right where we left off,” James reportedly shared with close friends. Their relationship blossomed into a long-distance commitment, a testament to their determination and love for each other. So here is more about the woman who inspires Franklin!

Fumi Franklin: A huge football fan! Which team does she love?

Behind every great coach is an equally remarkable partner, and for James Franklin, that person is his wife, Fumi Franklin. Born Funmilayo J. Ala on March 31, 1978, Fumi has carved her own impressive path. She is a graduate of Washington State University, where she earned her undergraduate degree. But Fumi didn’t stop there.

She pursued a master’s degree in Education Administration, further showcasing her dedication to learning and leadership. But during her time at Washington State, she was a fierce supporter of the Cougars football. There were days when she would sleep outside the stadium to get front-row seats. The Apple Cup between Washington and Washington State was very important to her, and that’s something she had told Chris Petersen back in 2017.

“My wife is a die-hard Cougar,” Franklin said in 2017. “She said, ‘You know I’m not really happy,’ and [Petersen] goes ‘Why?’ She’s like, because I’ve gotten to know your staff and I really like them, and I don’t want to like them because you guys are Huskies and we’re Cougars.”

Does that mean she would support her favorite team over Penn? Not at all!

In 2017, when she got to know Penn State and Washington State would fight for the Fiesta Bowl, she told her husband that he needed to win the game. As per Franklin’s own admission: “When we found out we were playing Washington in this game, she made it very clear to me: ‘Win this game or me and the kids are gone’.” 

While Fumi is best known today as a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker, her background in education has shaped her into a strong and nurturing figure.

Her commitment to her family and the values she brings from her academic journey play a pivotal role in the Franklin household. The lessons she learned as an educator extend into her role as a mother, mentor, and steadfast partner.

A Timeline of Love and Family

After dating for several years, James proposed to Fumi in Green Bay in 2005, marking the beginning of a lifelong partnership. The couple’s love story grew stronger despite their long-distance relationship. Eventually, they settled down and began their family journey.

Coach Franklin and Mrs. Franklin are proud parents of two daughters, Shola, born in 2007, and Addy, born in 2008. Their youngest daughter, Addy, has sickle cell disease, a condition that brought the family closer during the pandemic.

In a heartwarming show of dedication, James lived in a separate condo above the garage to minimize the risk of exposure to his daughter. This act underscores the depth of his commitment to family—a trait he carries both on and off the field.