Penn State Parts Ways With James Franklin Amid 3-3 Start
The Penn State football program has dismissed head coach James Franklin, ending a 12-year tenure marked by high expectations, historic moments, and a series of hard-fought battles in the Big Ten. The university announced the move Sunday afternoon, following a 22-21 loss to Northwestern at Beaver Stadium on Saturday. The defeat, the third straight for the Nittany Lions, capped a season that began with national championship aspirations after a historically strong run under Franklin.
Interim Plan and Immediate Changes
Associate head coach and cornerbacks coach Terry Smith, a Penn State letterman, will serve as the interim head coach. Smith’s familiarity with the program and his ties to the culture at Penn State position him as a steadying force as the team navigates a tumultuous stretch for the 2025 season.
Contractual Context and Buyout Considerations
The financial details surrounding Franklin’s departure are rooted in a complex contract history. Under the terms of the original extension signed in 2021, Penn State owed Franklin $56 million in a buyout. The agreement was amended in 2024, with terms not publicly disclosed, leaving room for negotiation dynamics between Franklin and the university. Analysts and fans will be watching how the buyout, incentives, and potential settlements unfold in the coming weeks.
Franklin’s Impact and Legacy at Penn State
Entering 2025, Franklin carried a resume that included a Big Ten title in 2016, six double-digit win seasons, five New Year’s Six bowl appearances, and a spot in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff in 2024, where Penn State narrowly fell to Notre Dame in the national semifinal. His tenure also featured a gritty rebuilding process, including the program’s response to NCAA sanctions years earlier and notable success on the field despite mounting pressure to win the big games.
On-Field Performance and Key Matchups
Franklin’s teams were celebrated for consistency in the regular season but faced sharp criticism in marquee games. He posted a 4-21 mark against top-10 opponents and a 1-11 record against their fiercest in-state rival, Ohio State. The 2025 season’s setback—particularly losses to UCLA and Northwestern—proved costly in the eyes of leadership and the fan base, who had expected a championship-contending squad after the program’s recent high-profile postseason appearances.
What Franklin Said After the Northwestern Loss
When pressed about his continued role, Franklin acknowledged the frustration surrounding the program’s recent results and the passion of the fan base. “It’s always been about our players, and those guys are hurting right now, and the fans are frustrated. I get it,” he said. “We have great fans here. We get unbelievable support, and I understand their frustration. Trust me. We’re as frustrated as anybody.”
Facing a more pointed question about whether Penn State remained the right fit for his career, Franklin’s response hinted at the inevitability of the moment. “I take full responsibility for what’s happened tonight. I take full responsibility for what’s happened this season, and I’m committed to the guys in that locker room,” he added, suggesting that the program’s trajectory may have diverged from the expectations of leadership and the fan base.
Looking Ahead: The Road for Penn State
As Penn State moves forward under interim leadership, questions will focus on recruiting momentum, player development, and the long-term plan for the program’s quarterback and skill positions. The Nittany Lions will aim to restore stability, regain credibility with the fan base, and chart a path back to the top of the Big Ten and national relevance. The upcoming coaching search will be conducted with urgency, but Penn State will also rely on the established culture that Franklin helped foster—one grounded in resilience, tenacity, and a deep-rooted commitment to the university and its supporters.
Conclusion: A Turning Page for Penn State Football
Franklin’s departure marks a pivotal moment in Penn State football history. The era—defined by an uplifting rise from sanctions-era challenges to playoff contention—will be remembered for its steady leadership and its share of dramatic highs and difficult losses. With Terry Smith stepping in as interim head coach, Penn State begins a new chapter—one that will test the program’s depth, leadership, and ambition as it seeks to reclaim its status among college football’s elite.
