James Franklin Fired by Penn State After Shocking Loss, Ending 11-Year Tenure

Penn State has fired head football coach James Franklin. The university announced the decision on Sunday, October 12. This move comes just one day after a devastating home loss to Northeastern.

The 22-21 defeat marked the team’s third consecutive loss. It was the final blow for a season that began with national championship hopes. The decision ends Franklin’s 11-year leadership of the program.

Season Collapse Prompts Drastic Change

Penn State started the season with a perfect 3-0 record. They were ranked as high as No. 2 in national polls. According to Getty Images, the team was widely expected to contend for the national title.

Then the collapse began. The Nittany Lions suffered a double-overtime loss to Oregon. They then fell to UCLA and Northwestern in back-to-back weeks. The loss to Northwestern was particularly damaging.

Search for a New Leader Begins Immediately

The coaching search is now underway. One potential candidate is Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti. He has turned Indiana into a national contender in just two seasons.

Franklin finishes his Penn State career with a 104-45 record. His teams went 64-36 in Big Ten conference play. However, his inability to win critical games against top-ranked teams ultimately defined his tenure.

The firing of James Franklin signals a major reset for Penn State football. The program now seeks a leader who can win the big games. This decision will define the future of Nittany Lions football for years to come.

Info at your fingertips

Why was James Franklin fired?

Penn State fired Franklin after a three-game losing streak. The final loss was a shocking home defeat to Northeastern. The team’s performance fell far below preseason expectations.

What was James Franklin’s record at Penn State?

He compiled a 104-45 overall record. His Big Ten conference record was 64-36. Despite many wins, he struggled against top-ranked opponents.

Who will replace James Franklin?

Indiana’s Curt Cignetti is considered a top candidate. He has led Indiana to an undefeated season so far. His success makes him a prime target for the job.

How did Penn State’s season unravel?

The team started 3-0 and reached a No. 2 ranking. Consecutive losses to Oregon, UCLA, and Northwestern followed. The losing streak culminated with the loss to Northeastern.

When did the firing occur?

The university announced the decision on Sunday, October 12. This was just one day after the loss to Northeastern. The move was immediate.