Penn State Athletic Director Pat Kraft has made a seismic move, ousting long-time head coach James Franklin, explicitly stating the decision was driven by an unyielding desire to win national championships. This pivotal shift comes after a disappointing three-game losing streak and marks a new, ambitious trajectory for the Nittany Lions football program, prioritizing elite performance and a renewed connection to the ‘We Are Penn State’ identity.
In a move that sent shockwaves through the college football world, Penn State Athletic Director Pat Kraft announced Sunday the removal of James Franklin as the program’s head coach. Speaking at an emotional press conference on Monday, Kraft unequivocally stated the decision was about more than just a recent losing skid; it was a long-term evaluation of the program’s direction and an absolute commitment to chasing a national championship.
The Relentless Pursuit of a National Championship
Kraft’s message was clear: Penn State football demands the highest standards. He articulated a vision for an “elite” replacement who not only understands but embodies the “We Are Penn State” motto. This new leader, according to Kraft, must possess specific qualities crucial for steering the program toward ultimate glory:
- Represent toughness, blue-collar work ethic, and class.
- Honor tradition while embracing evolution.
- Understand the profound weight of “We Are” and lead with a clear vision of championships.
- Rebuild unity and pride within the historic program.
- Ignite the fanbase around a shared belief in greatness, achieved “the right way.”
“Ultimately, I believe a new leader can help us win a national championship, and now is the right time for this change,” Kraft declared, as reported by ESPN. His resolute focus underscores the immense pressure and expectations surrounding one of college football’s most storied programs.
Franklin’s Decade: A Legacy and an Unmet Expectation
James Franklin had led the Nittany Lions for over a decade, guiding them to significant achievements, including their first-ever appearance in the College Football Playoff last season. However, that playoff run ended in a semifinal loss to Notre Dame, a result that, in hindsight, may have solidified Kraft’s long-term concerns about reaching the program’s ultimate goal. While Franklin was praised by Kraft as a “tremendous man, husband, father, mentor to countless student-athletes, and a good friend,” the athletic director’s decision highlighted a disparity between the program’s trajectory and championship aspirations.
The consistent pursuit of excellence and the investment Penn State has made in its football program naturally come with high expectations. Despite Franklin’s commendable work in upholding the team’s dignity and class, the desire for a national championship—a goal the program explicitly targeted when the 2025 season began—ultimately overshadowed his tenure, a sentiment widely discussed in analytical pieces such as those published by The Athletic.
The Season’s Unraveling: A Three-Game Skid
The immediate catalyst for the coaching change was Penn State’s recent performance. After cracking the Top 5 in the AP Poll, the Nittany Lions suffered three consecutive losses that derailed their season. The defeats came against formidable opponents: Oregon, UCLA, and Northwestern. This sudden unravelling, combined with mounting frustration among the fanbase, created an undeniable urgency for action, leading to Kraft pulling the plug on Sunday.
A Call for Unity Amidst Change: The Interim Era Begins
In the wake of Franklin’s departure, Pat Kraft swiftly promoted associate head coach Terry Smith to interim coach, confirming Smith would “absolutely” be considered for the permanent role. Smith, who expressed his deep love for the program, now faces the monumental task of leading the team through an incredibly challenging period.
The situation is further complicated by the season-ending injury to starting quarterback Drew Allar, who left his home field for the final time on Saturday. Kraft made an emotional plea to the Penn State faithful, urging them to rally around the current players and direct any anger towards him or Franklin, rather than at the student-athletes. This plea followed reports of “indefensible video” showing fans screaming at Franklin’s children and harsh words directed at Allar, highlighting the intensity of emotions surrounding the program.
“You can hate me, you can hate James,” Kraft stated, “but rally around (the players). They deserve it. That’s who Penn State is. That’s who we are.”
Smith himself confessed to being “stunned, like most people in the building, most people around the country” by the news, which he discussed with Franklin in an emotional conversation. Despite the shock, Smith is committed to preparing quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer for the daunting challenges ahead, noting their shared experience of being “thrown in there.”
The Road Ahead: A Daunting Schedule and High Stakes
The interim coach and his new starting quarterback face one of the toughest remaining schedules in the nation. Penn State is slated to play No. 1 Ohio State and No. 3 Indiana, offering little time for the team to regroup. The immediate future of the Nittany Lions program is fraught with challenges, yet it also presents an opportunity for Smith and the players to demonstrate resilience and uphold the “We Are Penn State” spirit.
The decision to move on from a respected coach like James Franklin clearly signals a heightened urgency at Penn State to achieve the pinnacle of college football. The pressure is on Pat Kraft to find a leader who can not only navigate this immediate transition but also deliver on the promise of a national championship, cementing the program’s place among the elite.
