Just 15 days after being ranked No. 2 in the country, Penn State found itself searching for a new football coach. On Sunday, the university made the stunning decision to fire James Franklin, ending his 12-year tenure with a 104-45 record. The move came in the wake of a three-game losing streak, including a home loss to Northwestern and a shocking defeat to previously winless UCLA on October 4.
The downward spiral began with a double-overtime loss to Oregon in a top-10 showdown, and despite Franklin’s previous successes—including a victory in last year’s College Football Playoff—the cumulative missteps proved too much.
Franklin’s Legacy and the Context of the Firing
Franklin leaves Penn State with a hefty $49 million buyout, underscoring the magnitude of the decision. While his tenure included notable accomplishments and a strong overall record, criticism had long followed him, particularly regarding his performance in big games. Nicknamed “Big Game James,” Franklin often struggled to deliver in high-profile matchups. The recent streak of losses to teams that should have been manageable proved to be the final straw.
Losing to Oregon may have initially highlighted Franklin’s inability to win marquee games, but the subsequent defeats to UCLA and Northwestern signaled a deeper problem. For Penn State, a program steeped in tradition and high expectations, mediocrity—and especially repeated failures against beatable opponents—was unacceptable.
Paul Finebaum Weighs In
ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum, known for his candid commentary on college football, agreed with the decision, though he admitted it was still stunning in its scope. Speaking on Monday’s Get Up, Finebaum said:
“It was the correct decision, but that doesn’t make it any less stupefying. It’s still hard to wrap your arms around this fall from grace. I have never seen anything like this in nearly 50 years of covering college football.”
Finebaum emphasized that Franklin had effectively run out of options. “Losing to Oregon just proved that he can’t win big games, but we knew that going in. But these last two have been some of the worst coaching I have ever seen,” he added.
He also highlighted the loss of fan confidence as a critical factor. “There was no faith in him. I talked to several people that were at the game Saturday and there were Penn State fans literally wearing bags over their heads. It’s one of the proudest programs in college football, so it was absolutely the right call, and there should be no turning back on that call at all.”
Who Could Replace Franklin?
With Franklin gone, speculation has already begun regarding potential successors. Names with Pennsylvania ties, such as Indiana’s Curt Cignetti and Nebraska’s Matt Rhule, have surfaced. However, poaching top coaching talent will not be easy—or inexpensive—for the Nittany Lions.
Finebaum acknowledged the challenges but remained optimistic about Penn State’s future. “It’s been devalued, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be back because Penn State has one of the top 5 or 10 traditions in college football. So it’s capable,” he said.
The search for a new coach will require balancing experience, recruiting acumen, and the ability to perform in high-pressure games. Penn State will need someone who can restore faith among fans, players, and boosters while competing at the highest levels of college football.
The Weight of Expectations at Penn State
Penn State football carries a legacy of excellence and high expectations from both fans and alumni. Coaches are not only judged on their win-loss record but on their ability to perform in critical games, develop NFL-ready talent, and maintain the program’s prestige.
Franklin’s firing serves as a reminder that even a coach with a winning record and playoff appearances is not immune to dismissal if results fail to meet the program’s lofty standards. In today’s competitive landscape, sustained success is measured not just in victories but in dominance against top-tier opponents and consistency against mid-level programs.
Looking Ahead
The next hire will shape the future trajectory of Penn State football. The university has an opportunity to bring in a coach who can reignite fan passion, improve performance in high-profile matchups, and attract elite recruits. The decision will also send a signal to the college football world about the program’s commitment to excellence and accountability.
For now, Franklin departs with a legacy of highs and lows, leaving behind a program at a crossroads. As Paul Finebaum noted, the right hire could restore the program to its former glory, proving that even after a fall from grace, Penn State remains capable of competing at the highest level.
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