James Franklin Addresses Penn State Firing Rumors

James Franklin, the former head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions, has addressed rumors surrounding his recent firing. In a candid interview on “College GameDay” on October 18, he expressed his unwavering ambition to win a national championship, despite his departure from Penn State.

Franklin’s Departure from Penn State

Franklin’s firing followed a disappointing stretch for the team, including three consecutive losses. The pivotal loss came against Northwestern on October 11, which was preceded by setbacks against Oregon and UCLA. Franklin reflected on how abruptly the news broke, revealing that he was informed during a Sunday practice. He described the moment as surreal, recounting how he had to inform his players to avoid learning about it through social media.

Expectations and Reality

In his interview, Franklin emphasized that his goal of securing a national championship has not wavered. He expressed disappointment at not achieving this milestone during his twelve seasons at Penn State, during which he had a substantial $49 million remaining on his contract. Franklin noted the team’s impressive start to the season, beginning as the No. 2-ranked team in the country.

Controversy Surrounding the Firing

Former Alabama head coach and ESPN analyst Nick Saban described Franklin’s firing as “unfair as hell.” Despite this, Franklin chose to remain diplomatic, indicating that it was not his place to comment on the fairness of Penn State’s decisions.

A Look at the Future

• Franklin’s firing marks the end of his tenure, despite previous strong performances, including reaching the College Football Playoff semifinals last season.
• Penn State promoted associate head coach Terry Smith to interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
• The team faces a challenging matchup against Iowa this Saturday, navigating the loss of both Franklin and injured quarterback Drew Allar.

Franklin remains hopeful, stating, “I can’t wait for that next challenge,” as he aims to pursue a championship at a new program. His commitment to coaching continues, and he is looking forward to what lies ahead.