Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman Discusses James Franklin’s Penn State Dismissal

James Franklin’s tenure at Penn State concluded following a series of disappointing outcomes, particularly highlighted by a loss against Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl last January. This match took place at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium and was pivotal for both teams, as it offered a pathway to the College Football Playoff National Championship. Franklin’s Nittany Lions began strong, leading 10-0 at half-time after temporarily sidelining Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard and forcing a turnover.

However, the momentum shifted in the second half. The Fighting Irish scored 17 unanswered points, culminating in a 41-yard field goal by Mitch Jeter after an interception by Penn State’s Drew Allar. This game not only allowed Notre Dame to pursue a national title, but it also marked a downturn for Franklin, who failed to secure another victory against major college competition following that loss.

Impact of Franklin’s Dismissal

After his team suffered further defeats against Oregon, UCLA, and Northwestern, Franklin was dismissed. His exit was announced on Sunday, leaving him unemployed and raising questions about his future. Marcus Freeman, head coach of Notre Dame, expressed his respect for Franklin during a press conference following Notre Dame’s recent victory over NC State.

Freeman’s Response to Franklin’s Firing

• Freeman emphasized the broader impact of coaching changes, affecting not just the head coach but also players and support staff.
• He acknowledged the support staff and families who face uncertainty due to job losses.
• Freeman, with a coaching record of 37-11 since 2022, indicated the challenges of maintaining success in college football.

While discussing the implications of coaching changes, Freeman remarked, “It’s a challenging profession. It’s a reminder to be grateful for the opportunities you have.” He stated that within major college football programs, around 200 individuals are typically impacted by such dismissals, alongside their families.

Looking Forward for Notre Dame

Freeman’s immediate focus is on an upcoming game against USC, ranked No. 20, at Notre Dame Stadium. This match, part of a historic rivalry, is set to kick off at 7:30 PM, broadcasted on NBC. As Notre Dame aims to continue its winning streak, Freeman remains aware of the unpredictable nature of college football coaching careers.