Penn State Athletic Director Pat Kraft has made the monumental decision to fire head football coach James Franklin, citing a need to pursue national championships and a clear program trajectory. This move, coming after a disappointing three-game skid, signals a new, results-driven era for Nittany Lions football, with fan expectations and a challenging coaching search now at the forefront.
In a move that sent shockwaves through the collegiate football world, Penn State Athletic Director Pat Kraft announced the firing of head coach James Franklin on Sunday. The decision, described by Kraft as the “toughest of his career,” comes just nine months after the Nittany Lions were on the cusp of a College Football Playoff national championship appearance. However, a recent three-game losing streak, including embarrassing defeats to unheralded teams, proved to be the final straw for Kraft’s championship aspirations.
A Trajectory Unmet: Kraft’s Vision for National Championships
Speaking emotionally on Monday, Kraft clarified that the decision was not solely based on the recent skid but rather on the overall trajectory of the program. “This is not a three-game thing,” Kraft stated, as reported by the Associated Press. “This is really diving into where we were as a program and what is the trajectory of this program. And you all know, I’m not shy to admit it, I’m here to win national championships. I believe our fans deserve that and I wake up every day trying to achieve that goal.”
Franklin, who led the Nittany Lions for over 11 seasons, compiled an overall record of 104-45, securing a Big Ten Championship and a College Football Playoff appearance. However, his record against top-tier opponents raised concerns. Under Franklin, Penn State was 5-21 against top 10 opponents and a dismal 1-15 against top five opponents, including eight consecutive losses to rival Ohio State, according to the Reading Eagle. These statistics, combined with a 3-3 start to a season that began with Penn State ranked second nationally, ultimately led Kraft to make the “hard decision” on Sunday.
Fan Frustration and the Modern Era of College Football
The firing comes amidst growing calls from the fan base for a change in leadership. Article 5 highlighted the surging demand to “fire James Franklin” after a stunning 42-37 loss to a winless UCLA team, where the Nittany Lions were 24.5-point favorites. This defeat marked the first time in 40 years that a top-10 team had lost to an opponent with an 0-4 record or worse, further fueling fan frustration and diminishing hopes for a College Football Playoff berth. Social media was flooded with comments demanding his dismissal, with some calling it “the most embarrassing loss in team history.”
Kraft emphasized that the next coach must be adept at navigating the modern college football landscape. This includes a coach who can:
- Maximize elite-level resources
- Aggressively utilize the transfer portal
- Develop talent at the highest level
- Embody Penn State’s core values of toughness, blue-collar work ethic, and class
The Cost of Change and the Interim Plan
The decision to part ways with Franklin is not without significant financial implications. Franklin’s 10-year, $85 million contract extension, signed by former athletic director Sandy Barbour in 2021, guarantees him a substantial buyout. According to contract terms, Penn State must pay Franklin a base salary of $500,000, supplemental pay of $6.5 million, and an insurance loan of $1 million annually until 2031. Kraft affirmed that the buyout, estimated at “at least $48 million,” would be covered entirely by athletic department funds, not by the institution.
In the immediate aftermath, Terry Smith, a longtime assistant and former Penn State player, has been appointed interim head coach. Smith, who joined Franklin’s staff in 2014, faces a daunting task. The Nittany Lions (3-3, 0-3 Big Ten) are dealing with significant injuries to starting quarterback Drew Allar (out for the season) and star linebacker Tony Rojas (questionable return). Smith’s first challenge will be a brutal three-game stretch against Iowa, No. 1 Ohio State, and No. 3 Indiana.
Smith expressed his commitment to turning the season around, stating, “We need to get back to enjoying ball, being tough, gritty and passionate. All I want to do is help Penn State be successful and win. I’m sitting in this press conference because we didn’t win enough.” He also showed emotion when discussing Franklin, emphasizing the strong bond Franklin had with the players he recruited.
The Search for Penn State’s Next Leader
Kraft will now embark on a national search for a permanent replacement, noting that Smith will be considered for the role. The ideal candidate must be an “elite motivator” who embodies integrity, accountability, toughness, and humility, capable of achieving excellence at the highest level with confidence and conviction. The timing of this coaching change also coincides with a significant $700 million renovation project for Beaver Stadium, slated for completion by 2027, highlighting the institution’s ongoing commitment to its football program.
The coming weeks will be crucial for Penn State football as they navigate a challenging schedule under interim leadership and begin the quest for a new head coach who can deliver on the promise of national championships in Happy Valley.
