Penn State Dismisses Coach James Franklin
Penn State University has announced the dismissal of head coach James Franklin following a tough season that saw the team falter significantly. The decision came on Sunday, one day after a narrow 22-21 defeat against Northwestern, a loss that effectively ended the team’s hopes for the College Football Playoff.
James Franklin’s Tenure at Penn State
Franklin leaves Penn State with a record of 104 wins and 45 losses over more than 11 seasons. He was hired in 2014, taking over after Bill O’Brien’s exit for the NFL. At that time, Franklin faced the challenge of rebuilding a program still reeling from the repercussions of the Jerry Sandusky scandal.
Under Franklin, the Nittany Lions managed to produce numerous NFL talents, such as Saquon Barkley and Micah Parsons. Franklin led the team to a Big Ten title in 2016, establishing a consistent presence in national rankings. However, his record against top-ranked teams was a significant concern, with only four victories out of 25 games against opponents in the top 10.
Recent Season Struggles
This season began with high expectations, as Penn State was ranked No. 2 in the preseason. Unfortunately, the optimism quickly diminished following three consecutive losses. The Nittany Lions dropped a close game at home against Oregon, lost to winless UCLA, and fell to Northwestern, where they also suffered the loss of quarterback Drew Allar to injury.
Interim Leadership and Future Aspirations
Terry Smith has been appointed as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. He faces an uphill battle as Penn State prepares for upcoming challenging matchups against Iowa, Ohio State, and Indiana.
Financial Implications
Franklin’s dismissal comes with significant financial ramifications. The university will owe him nearly $50 million due to his contractual obligations. This includes a base salary, supplemental pay, and an insurance loan, all set to last until 2031.
Penn State’s athletic director, Pat Kraft, expressed gratitude for Franklin’s contributions but emphasized the need for new leadership to elevate the program. Kraft asserted the university’s commitment to maintaining high standards in athletics and hopes to attract top-tier coaching talent moving forward.
Looking Ahead
As the Nittany Lions embark on a challenging remaining schedule, their focus will shift to salvaging their season. The upcoming games could provide an opportunity for potential candidates to showcase their skills, especially with the looming matchup against Nebraska, coached by Matt Rhule, a former hire by Kraft.
Despite the difficulties of this season, Penn State aims to reinvigorate its program, bolstered by a $700 million renovation project for Beaver Stadium expected to conclude by 2027.
