Penn State Fires Head Coach James Franklin Amid Disappointing Season, Names Terry Smith Interim
Penn State fired head football coach James Franklin midseason after a 3-3 start and three consecutive losses, appointing Terry Smith as interim. The decision follows struggles against top teams and a significant contract buyout.
Penn State fires football coach James Franklin
Chicago Sun-Times
Overview
- Penn State dismissed head football coach James Franklin midseason after a disappointing 3-3 start, including three consecutive losses in early October, culminating in a 22-21 home loss to Northwestern.
- Franklin's tenure spanned 11-plus seasons, accumulating a 104-45 record, but he consistently struggled against top-ranked opponents and experienced a collapse after an easy nonconference schedule.
- Athletic Director Pat Kraft expressed gratitude for Franklin's role in restoring the Nittany Lions' relevance, despite the decision to fire him due to the team's recent performance issues.
- Terry Smith has been appointed interim head coach for the remainder of the season, tasked with stabilizing the team and stopping the bleeding during this disastrous midseason period.
- The university faces a substantial financial obligation, reportedly owing Franklin over $49 million in buyout costs, while also undertaking a $700 million renovation to Beaver Stadium.
Report issue
Read both sides in 5 minutes each day
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story by emphasizing James Franklin's failure to meet high expectations, particularly against top-tier opponents, despite past successes. They highlight the team's "midseason free fall" and the "disastrous season," portraying the firing as a necessary, albeit costly, move for Penn State to pursue national championship aspirations and uphold "highest of standards."
"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."
USA TODAYArticles (8)
Center (5)
FAQ
Terry Smith is a former Penn State wide receiver and longtime assistant coach with the team. He has been on the Penn State coaching staff for 12 seasons, serving as associate head coach, defensive recruiter, and cornerbacks coach. Smith is recognized as a standout recruiter and has been pivotal in developing Penn State's cornerbacks.
James Franklin was fired after a disappointing 3-3 start to the season with three straight losses, including a close 22-21 home defeat to Northwestern. Despite a strong overall record of 104-45 over 11-plus seasons, Franklin struggled consistently against top-ranked teams, and his team collapsed after an easy nonconference schedule, prompting Penn State to make a midseason coaching change.
Penn State faces a significant financial obligation due to the firing, reportedly owing James Franklin over $49 million in buyout costs. This comes amid a concurrent $700 million renovation project for Beaver Stadium, compounding the university’s financial commitments related to its football program.
Before being named interim head coach, Terry Smith was Penn State's associate head coach and cornerbacks coach. He played as a wide receiver at Penn State from 1987 to 1991 and has over a decade of coaching experience, including as a high school head coach and offensive coordinator. He is also noted for strong recruiting skills and defensive player development.
Under Terry Smith’s direction, Penn State’s cornerbacks have been highly successful, contributing to the team ranking among the top defenses nationally. In 2024, Penn State ranked fourth in interceptions, seventh in total defense, eighth in scoring defense, and had multiple All-Big Ten cornerbacks, evidencing Smith's effective coaching impact.
History
- 15h
5 articles