Penn State stunned the college football world by announcing the firing of head coach James Franklin after 12 seasons, a decision that comes with a hefty $49 million buyout, the second largest in college football history. The move, unveiled on Sunday (Oct. 12, 2025), follows a series of disappointing performances that culminated in back-to-back losses, prompting chants of “Fire Franklin!” of fans at Beaver Stadium.
Associate head coach Terry Smith will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
What led to the shocking decision?
The decision to part ways with Franklin comes less than a year after Penn State reached the semifinals of the College Football Playoff, a high point in Franklin's tenure.
However, recent performances have exposed cracks in the program. Two weeks ago, the Nittany Lions suffered a stunning loss to a previously winless UCLA team in Los Angeles. The loss marked a low point, as UCLA had not even had a lead all season prior to the game.
The following week, Penn State returned home to face Northwestern, but lost 22–21 in a game marred by six first-half penalties totaling 71 yards. The losses made Penn State the first team since the 1978 FBS-FCS split to drop consecutive games as 20-point favorites, according to ESPN Research.
Why did Penn State struggle against top teams?
Franklin's record against elite competition has long been a point of contention. His 4-21 record against AP top-10 teams, including a dismal 1-18 against top-10 Big Ten opponents, highlighted his struggles in high-stakes matchups. This .160 winning percentage ranks third-worst among coaches with at least 25 games at one school since the AP poll began in 1936. A notable loss earlier this season to Oregon in Happy Valley highlighted these challenges, putting pressure on an already scrutinized tenure.
How did injuries and performance issues play a role?
The Northwestern game exposed even more vulnerabilities. Quarterback Drew Allar suffered a season-ending injury in the fourth quarter, a significant blow to the team's prospects. The Nittany Lions' undisciplined play, especially in the first half against Northwestern, compounded their woes. The team's inability to utilize their talent and avoid self-inflicted mistakes caused frustration among fans and administrators alike.
What's next for Penn State football?
Patrick Kraft, Penn State's vice president for intercollegiate athletics, emphasized the program's high expectations in his statement: “We believe this is the right time for new leadership at the helm of our football program to propel us toward the Big Ten and national championships.”
Despite Franklin's departure, his legacy includes tying Rip Engle for the second-most wins in Penn State history. With Terry Smith taking the reins, the Nittany Lions face the challenge of regrouping for the remainder of the season as the search for a permanent head coach begins.
