In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, Penn State has fired head coach James Franklin, just six games into his 12th season with the Nittany Lions. This decision comes amidst a stunning collapse that has seen the team plummet from preseason College Football Playoff (CFP) contender to a struggling 3-3 record. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this a justified move to spark change, or an overreaction to a temporary slump? Let’s dive into the details.
Just two months ago, Penn State was ranked No. 2 in the preseason AP Top 25, with high hopes of repeating last year’s CFP semifinal appearance. Instead, the Nittany Lions have suffered a disastrous three-game losing streak, including a jaw-dropping 22-21 home loss to Northwestern—a team they were favored to beat by three touchdowns. This marked their second consecutive upset, following a loss to previously winless UCLA, making them the first FBS team since 1978 to lose back-to-back games as such heavy favorites. And this is the part most people miss: Penn State’s 3-3 start is the worst six-game beginning for a preseason AP top-two team since Oklahoma in 1964.
Associate head coach and cornerbacks coach Terry Smith will step in as interim coach for the remainder of the 2025 season. In a statement, Penn State athletic director Patrick Kraft acknowledged Franklin’s contributions, saying, “Penn State owes an enormous amount of gratitude to Coach Franklin, who rebuilt our football program into a national power. He won a Big Ten Championship, led us to seven New Year's Six bowl games, and a College Football Playoff appearance last year.” However, Kraft added, “We hold our athletics programs to the highest standards, and we believe this is the right moment for new leadership to advance us toward Big Ten and national championships.”
But is this decision fair? Franklin leaves Happy Valley with a 104-45 overall record, including a 64-36 mark in Big Ten play. Under his leadership, Penn State won the Big Ten in 2016, appeared in the Big Ten Championship Game twice, and achieved at least 10 wins in six of his 12 seasons. Yet, his struggles in big games have been a persistent thorn in his side. Franklin’s .160 winning percentage against top-10 teams is among the worst in college football history, and his 2-21 record against top-6 teams is the second-worst all-time. Against Big Ten powerhouses Michigan and Ohio State, he went 4-17, dropping to 1-13 when those teams were ranked.
Franklin’s buyout is another eyebrow-raising detail. Penn State will owe him approximately $50 million, the second-largest buyout in college football history, behind only Texas A&M’s $76 million payout to Jimbo Fisher. This raises questions about the financial implications of such a decision and whether it was truly necessary.
A closer look at the 2025 season reveals a promising start turned sour. After a 3-0 nonconference run, the Nittany Lions unraveled in Big Ten play. A double-overtime loss to Oregon, followed by defeats to UCLA and Northwestern, exposed vulnerabilities in both coaching and execution. The loss to Northwestern was particularly painful, as it also saw starting quarterback Drew Allar suffer a season-ending injury.
So, what’s next for Penn State? The program joins a growing list of teams searching for new leadership, but the stakes are high. Can they find a coach who can consistently win big games and deliver championships? And what lessons should be learned from Franklin’s tenure? His inability to conquer top-tier opponents, despite ample resources, remains a puzzling aspect of his legacy.
As the coaching search begins, fans are turning to Lions247 (https://247sports.com/college/penn-state/) for the latest updates. With over 20 years of experience, their team of insiders provides unparalleled coverage of the Nittany Lions. Sign up for a VIP membership (https://secure.247sports.com/college/penn-state/join/?promo=JOIN) to stay ahead of the curve as Penn State charts its future.
What do you think? Was firing James Franklin the right move, or did Penn State act too hastily? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a debate that’s sure to divide opinions.
