Penn State Fires Head Coach James Franklin After Disappointing Start, Citing Key Losses
Penn State dismissed head coach James Franklin midseason following losses to winless UCLA, unranked Northwestern, and No. 5 Oregon, despite his 12-season tenure including five top-10 finishes.
Overview
- Penn State dismissed head football coach James Franklin midseason after a disappointing 3-3 start, including three consecutive losses in early October, leading to his firing.
- The team suffered significant losses to winless UCLA, unranked Northwestern, and No. 5 Oregon in double-overtime, contributing directly to the decision to terminate Franklin's contract.
- Franklin concluded his 12 seasons at Penn State with a 104-45 record and five top-10 finishes, despite struggles against top-ranked opponents.
- Athletic Director Pat Kraft expressed gratitude for Franklin's contributions to the program's relevance, while Terry Smith was appointed interim head coach to stabilize the team.
- The university faces a substantial financial obligation, reportedly owing Franklin over $49 million in buyout costs, alongside a $700 million Beaver Stadium renovation project.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally by presenting a straightforward list of potential coaching candidates without overt bias. They focus on factual career achievements, current team performance, and relevant connections, allowing readers to assess each prospect independently. The language remains descriptive, avoiding loaded terms or preferential emphasis on any single individual.
"With the firing of James Franklin as Penn State head football coach, attention now turns to: Who’s next?"
Chicago Tribune"Kraft describes the football program as "backbone," adding that "we have invested at the highest level" in the team, meaning expectations must match the investment."
USA TODAY"Despite Franklin's 104-45 record in 12 seasons and a victory in last year's College Football Playoff, Franklin was sent packing with a hefty $49 million buyout."
USA TODAY"Yet after three easy wins during a light nonconference schedule, the Nittany Lions crumbled."
Chicago Sun-Times"The Nittany Lions often stumbled against top-tier opponents, going 4-21 against teams ranked in the top 10 during his tenure."
Chicago Tribune"The loss to the Wildcats made it official."
USA TODAY"Yet after three easy wins during a light nonconference schedule, the Nittany Lions crumbled."
Associated Press"What was set up to be a dream season quickly turned into a nightmare."
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Center (8)
FAQ
James Franklin was fired midseason after a disappointing 3-3 start with three consecutive losses, including unexpected defeats to winless UCLA and unranked Northwestern, as well as a double-overtime loss to No. 5 Oregon, which prompted the university to terminate his contract despite his prior achievements.
During his 12 seasons at Penn State, James Franklin posted a 104-45 record, achieved five top-10 finishes, led the team to multiple New Year's Six or College Football Playoff wins, and reached 100 wins at Penn State faster than most active FBS coaches.
Terry Smith was appointed as the interim head coach following Franklin's firing. The team faces challenges stabilizing performance after early losses, managing the loss of the starting quarterback due to injury, and rebuilding for future competitiveness.
Penn State reportedly owes James Franklin over $49 million in buyout costs related to his contract termination. This substantial financial obligation is alongside the university's concurrent $700 million Beaver Stadium renovation project.
Prior to his firing, Franklin led Penn State to seasons with multiple top-10 rankings, including an 11-2 finish in 2017 with a Fiesta Bowl win and a 9-4 finish in 2018. In 2019, the team finished 11-2 with a Cotton Bowl victory, showing consistent competitiveness in recent years.
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