Tony Franklin, a veteran high school coach in the state ofKentucky, has joined Coach Hal Mumme’s University of Kentuckystaff as an assistant coach for running backs.
“I’ve knownTony since 1989 and have recruited hisschools since then,” Mummesaid. “He is very knowledgable inthe passing game. I tried toget him to join us at Iowa Wesleyan and Valdosta State, but henever wanted to leave Kentucky.”
Franklin has spent 15 ofthe last 18 years as a head coach or assistant at six highschools within the state. Franklin has been head coach at MercerCounty HS (1996),Calloway County HS (1989-91), and Murray HS(1983-85).
Franklin led Mercer County to the 1996 playoffsaftera two-year absence. At Calloway County, hecoached quarterback Pookie Jones, the state’s 1989 “Mr. Football”who went on to play at UK. Franklin made significantimprovement in the program during his time at Murray and wasnominated by his coaching peers for the Kentucky Coach of theYear Award.
Franklin’s stops as an assistant includeMayfield HS (1993-95), Calloway County HS (1988), Daviess County(1981-82), Owensboro Catholic HS (1980), and Murray HS (1979). The highlight of his terms as an assistant came at Mayfield,wherehe helped coach state championship teams in 1993 and 1995. Franklin also was nominated for the Ashland Oil Teacher of theYear Award while at Mayfield.
It was at Calloway Countywhere Franklin first became acquainted with Mumme. Mummerecuited CCHS quarterback Rob Dennis to Iowa Wesleyan and the twocoaches continued their acquaintance over the years. Franklin’s coaching style should fit in well withthe pass-oriented offense used by Mumme. Franklin’s teamsset records for passing at all three of his head coaching jobs.Inaddition, he was the passing game coordinator duringhishighly-successful assistant post at Mayfield.
In addition to his familiarity with the state, Franklinwill bringsome unique experience to recruiting. In 1986-87, he waspresident of Scouting Report of Texas, Inc., a company whichhelped more than 200 high school seniors obtaincollege scholarships. Franklin built the No. 2 organizationamong 38 nationwide franchises.
Franklin is a nativeKentuckian. He was an all-state running back/linebacker atCaldwell County HS. He signed at Murray State and was the team’sleading rusher as a freshman in 1976. He played two years at MSUbefore injuries ended his career. Franklin graduated from Murraywith a degree in history and political science and obtained amaster’s from MSU in education and history.
“Growing up inthe state, it’s the dream of coaches to coach at Kentucky and myrelationship with Coach Mumme gave me that opportunity,” Franklinsaid of his appointment. “I love the state and have beenfollowing UK since I was a kid. To have the opportunity to coachhere is a dream come true.”
Franklin is the eighthfull-time assistant coach hired by Mumme. One more assistantwill be hired.
