Penn State fires James Franklin after an abrupt turn for its famous football program, officially announcing his firing on Sunday. a bewildering three-game losing streak that ruined a season projected to be great.
Originally thought of as a national title contender, the Nittany Lions started 2025 3-0 in nonconference action. However, double overtime losses to Oregon, a surprising upset at winless UCLA, and a gut-wrenching 22–21 home defeat to Northwestern revealed underlying weaknesses. The last loss also cost the team its starting quarterback, Drew Allar, who sustained a season-ending injury. As predictions fell, alumni, supporters, and boosters voiced increasing frustration, and cries for change echoed throughout Beaver Stadium.
Announcing the change after Penn State fired James Franklin, athletic director Pat Kraft called it a required reset, “We uphold our athletics programs to the highest of standards. He claimed this was the perfect moment for fresh leadership.” Leaving with a 104-45 record.
James Franklin ties for second-most victories in Penn State history. Still, his teams frequently lost against superior opponents, recording only a 4-21 record versus AP top-10 opponents and a 1-10 result against Ohio State.
Following the announcement that Penn State fires James Franklin, attention turned to his 2021 contract extension, which included high guarantees; Penn State now bears the financial load of a buyout purportedly over $49 million. Former Penn State University receiver Terry Smith, elevated to temporary head coach, steps in for the remainder of the season. He received a team now 3-3 overall and winless (0-3) in Big Ten competition. The timing of the choice gives Penn State very little runway: upcoming games include games at Iowa and Ohio State (honor hosted by Trump in the White House), as well as a home game against Indiana. The institution now starts a crucial chapter in its football aspirations, with recruiting momentum, expectations of the supporters, and an ongoing $700 million stadium renovation all pushing.