Fallout at Penn State: James Franklin is out as head coach
In a stunning move that sent shockwaves through College Football, Penn State announced on Sunday that James Franklin would not return as head coach. The decision came less than 24 hours after a 22-21 home loss to Northwestern, a defeat that essentially ended the team’s slim hopes of an already remote College Football Playoff bid. The Nittany Lions (3-3, 0-3 Big Ten) now turn to interim leadership as they navigate a brutal stretch of the schedule.
Interim leadership and immediate challenges
Terry Smith will serve as the interim head coach for the rest of the season. His assignment comes as Penn State faces a rigorous road slate, beginning with a trip to No. 18 Iowa, followed by a date with No. 1 Ohio State and, a week later, a home matchup against No. 3 Indiana. The coaching transition adds another layer of uncertainty to a program that once positioned itself as a national title contender.
What led to the firing?
Franklin’s tenure at Penn State stretched over 11 seasons, with a record of 104-45 and a reputation for recruiting at a high level and rebuilding programs after sanctions in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky scandal. Yet the team frequently stumbled against top-tier opponents, compiling a 4-21 record against teams ranked in the top 10 during his tenure. After a promising 2016 Big Ten title, expectations rose, but the 2023 season exposed deeper issues as the Nittany Lions stumbled through a light nonconference slate before faltering in conference play.
Financial implications of the move
Athletic director Pat Kraft acknowledged the difficult decision and noted the substantial buyout owed to Franklin—nearly $50 million—to part ways. The total compensation package still looms large, including base salary, supplemental pay, and related obligations through 2031. Despite the financial commitments, Kraft said Penn State must pursue leadership that can push the program toward Big Ten and national championships.
Historical context and future prospects
Franklin arrived in 2014 after Bill O’Brien left for the NFL, inheriting a program adjusting to sanctions and working to rebuild competitiveness. Under Franklin, Penn State produced NFL-caliber talent—names like Saquon Barkley and Micah Parsons highlighted the era—and secured a spot in CFP discussions as the program aimed for its first national title since 1986. The recent downturn, however, prompted leadership to pivot toward a new trajectory for the program’s next chapter.
A path forward for the Nittany Lions
With a season already in flux, the immediate task for interim coach Terry Smith is to stabilize the locker room and put wins on the board. The upcoming schedule represents a stern test, but it also offers opportunities to salvage a meaningful bowl appearance and reestablish recruiting momentum amid ongoing renovations at Beaver Stadium, a $700 million project slated for completion by 2027. Kraft emphasized Penn State’s tradition of excellence and its ability to attract elite coaching candidates, suggesting the program will be competitive in the race for its next long-term leader.
What this means for the program’s national standing
From a preseason favorite for the College Football Playoff to a team striving to restore credibility, Penn State’s 2024 season has rewritten expectations. The decision signals a shift from a pursuit of a title to a focus on rebuilding confidence, depth, and consistency across the roster. If the Lions can rally during the remaining games, they might still claim a respectable bowl bid and reestablish themselves as a force in the Big Ten.
Industry reaction and next steps
Analysts and fans will closely monitor who emerges as the next permanent head coach. Kraft’s ties to potential candidates, including former Temple athletic director connections to figure Matt Rhule, add intrigue to the search. Beating or laying the groundwork for the program’s future under new leadership will be the key narrative in the weeks ahead as Penn State charts a course for the next era of Nittany Lions football.
