Penn State Fires Coach Franklin After Third Straight Loss

Post by : Monika

Penn State University has made a shocking decision to fire its long-time head football coach, James Franklin, after the team suffered its third straight loss in the Big Ten conference. The decision came just one day after Penn State lost a close game to Northwestern by 22–21, a result that deeply upset fans and the university’s athletic leadership.

A Sudden End to a Long Coaching Era

James Franklin had been the head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions since 2014, making him one of the longest-serving and most successful coaches in modern college football. During his time with the team, he won 104 games and lost 45, a record that made him tied for the second-most wins in school history.

Franklin was known for rebuilding the Penn State program after it went through major challenges in the early 2010s. He brought in strong recruiting classes, created a competitive culture, and led the team to several major bowl games. Under his leadership, Penn State won the Big Ten Championship in 2016 and made its first College Football Playoff appearance in 2024.

However, in recent years, the program had begun to struggle. Despite strong starts in several seasons, Penn State often lost key games against major rivals such as Ohio State and Michigan. Many fans felt the team had reached its ceiling under Franklin and was no longer improving.

The Breaking Point: A String of Disappointing Losses

The current season started with high hopes. Penn State entered the year ranked No. 2 in many preseason polls and was considered a favorite to challenge for the national title. The team had a deep roster, including talented quarterback Drew Allar, and a defense that was expected to be one of the best in the country.

But things began to unravel quickly. Penn State lost three conference games in a row—to Oregon, UCLA, and Northwestern. The loss to Northwestern was particularly painful because it happened at home in front of a large crowd that had come expecting an easy win. When the final whistle blew with the team down by a single point, fans began chanting, “Fire Franklin!” across the stadium.

The loss dropped Penn State’s record to 3 wins and 3 losses, placing them near the bottom of the Big Ten standings. For a program with championship ambitions, this was unacceptable.

University Explains the Decision

Athletic Director Pat Kraft announced the decision to dismiss Franklin on Sunday morning. In a short statement, Kraft said, “Penn State football represents excellence. Our standards are very high, and we must hold ourselves accountable when those standards are not met. After evaluating the team’s direction, I believe it’s time for new leadership.”

Kraft also thanked Franklin for his years of service, saying he helped rebuild the program and restored national pride in Penn State football. However, he emphasized that the university must focus on its future and begin searching for a coach who can take the team “to the next level.”

The athletic department announced that Terry Smith, who had been serving as associate head coach and defensive recruiting coordinator, would take over as interim head coach for the rest of the season. Smith has worked closely with Franklin for over a decade and is respected by players and staff.

Franklin’s Legacy and Challenges

James Franklin leaves behind a complicated legacy. On one hand, he transformed Penn State into a regular contender, helped young players graduate, and maintained one of the best academic success rates in college football. His teams were known for discipline, energy, and smart recruiting.

On the other hand, Franklin’s inability to win big games hurt his reputation. Over 11 seasons, his record against top rivals Ohio State and Michigan was poor. Many times, Penn State came close to victory but could not finish strong. Critics said his teams played too safely in key moments and struggled to adapt when plans failed.

In recent seasons, fans and sports analysts also questioned Franklin’s decisions in important games. Some said he made predictable play calls, while others pointed to the team’s weak offensive line and inconsistent quarterback performances. The most recent loss to Northwestern only made those criticisms louder.

Injury and Frustration Add to the Problem

To make matters worse, quarterback Drew Allar suffered an injury late in the Northwestern game. Allar had been one of Franklin’s most prized recruits and was seen as the future leader of the program. His injury left the team’s offense struggling and uncertain, which made fans even more frustrated.

After the game, Franklin appeared emotional during the press conference. “I take full responsibility,” he said. “I hired the staff, I recruited the players, and I believed in the system. But right now, we are not getting the results we need. That’s on me.”

He thanked the players and fans for their support but said he understood the university’s decision. “Penn State will always hold a special place in my heart,” Franklin said. “It has been the honor of my life to lead this team.”

What’s Next for Penn State

Interim coach Terry Smith now faces the tough task of stabilizing a team that is losing confidence. Penn State has several important games left in the season, including matchups against Iowa and Michigan State. Winning even a few of these games could help the team qualify for a smaller bowl game and end the season on a positive note.

The athletic department will begin a nationwide search for a new permanent head coach. Some early names being mentioned by sports analysts include Dan Lanning from Oregon, Lance Leipold from Kansas, and Mike Elko from Texas A&M. However, Penn State has not yet made any formal approach to candidates.

For now, the focus will be on rebuilding the team’s confidence and keeping recruits committed. Many high school players who had planned to join Penn State may reconsider after Franklin’s departure, so the university must act quickly to assure them that the program remains strong.

Fans React to the News

The reaction among Penn State fans has been mixed. Some expressed sadness at seeing Franklin go, noting all the success he brought to the program over the years. Others said it was time for a change, believing the team needed new ideas and energy.

On social media, fans thanked Franklin for restoring pride to Penn State after difficult years and for leading with professionalism. But many also hoped the next coach would bring a more aggressive style of play and focus on winning championships.

A New Chapter Begins

As Penn State looks ahead, the university faces both challenges and opportunities. The football program still has strong resources, a passionate fan base, and a proud tradition. The next coach will inherit a team with talented players and a chance to compete again at the national level.

James Franklin’s firing marks the end of an important era in Penn State football history. He brought stability, success, and respect back to the program but could not reach the ultimate goal of winning a national championship.

Now, the university begins a new chapter—one built on the lessons of the past and the hope of future victories.

Penn State football James Franklin fired Big Ten losses