Wow … Penn State actually pulled the trigger.
During Saturday night’s game in Happy Valley against Northwestern, Nittany Lions fans unleashed a “Fire Franklin” chant as things ultimately turned into an ugly defeat for Penn State. Just one day later, and that’s exactly what happened. (RELATED: Umm … Why Does Top-5 Ole Miss Have Embarrassing Amount Of Fans?)
James Franklin, the longtime coach for PSU, was fired by the university Sunday following the team suffering their third consecutive loss after putting together a 3-0 record to begin the campaign, according to a report from ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Sources: Penn State has fired James Franklin.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 12, 2025
Franklin, 53, was in his 12th season with the Nittany Lions and had $49 million left on his contract, per ESPN.
Per his contract, Penn State owes James Franklin more than $49 million. https://t.co/IlWOXPS3QX
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 12, 2025
The more than $49 million set to be owed by Penn State to James Franklin is the second-biggest buyout in the history of college football. Texas A&M’s Jimbo Fisher buyout remains the most at more than $76 million.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 12, 2025
When the season started, Penn State was ranked No. 2 in the nation after losing against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff semifinals back in January.
After they won their first three contests, the Nittany Lions fell at home to Oregon in a double-overtime thriller, going on to lose again in a shocking 42-37 road defeat against UCLA. That brought us to the Northwestern loss, a game where PSU was favored by over three touchdowns.
Terry Smith will be the interim at Penn State, per the school. He’s longtime assistant coach and has been there all 12 years with Franklin.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 12, 2025
James Franklin is 4-21 against teams in the AP’s top 10 … he should be happy that he made it this far.