Why Penn State Fired James Franklin After Shocking Loss — Top Candidates to Replace Him

Penn State fired head football coach James Franklin on Sunday, October 12, 2025, one day after the Nittany Lions suffered a stunning 22-21 home loss to Northeastern. The decision ends Franklin’s 11-season tenure in State College, a period that brought consistency but ultimately failed to deliver on championship expectations.

The move comes amid a disappointing stretch for Penn State, which started the season 3-0 and climbed as high as No. 2 in the US LBM Coaches Poll. However, three consecutive losses — including defeats to UCLA and Northwestern, two of the weakest teams in the Big Ten — derailed their College Football Playoff hopes and sealed Franklin’s fate.

Penn State Fires James Franklin After 11 Seasons: What Went Wrong

James Franklin, who posted a 104-45 record during his time with Penn State (64-36 in Big Ten play), was widely credited with restoring the program’s stability and relevance after the NCAA sanctions era. He led the Nittany Lions to three New Year’s Six bowl wins and multiple top-10 finishes. Yet, one glaring flaw defined his tenure — an inability to consistently win big games against elite opponents.

This season’s collapse was emblematic of that struggle. After a promising start, Penn State’s double-overtime loss to Oregon exposed vulnerabilities on both sides of the ball. That was followed by back-to-back defeats to UCLA and Northwestern, two programs that had combined for just four Big Ten wins last season. Saturday’s home loss to Northeastern — a team from outside the Power Five conferences — was the final straw.

University officials announced the firing less than 24 hours after the Northeastern game. Athletic director Patrick Kraft said in a brief statement that “Penn State football holds itself to the highest standards of excellence, and our recent results have fallen short of those expectations.” He added that a national search for the next head coach is already underway.

Franklin’s dismissal is one of the most high-profile coaching changes in recent college football memory. The 53-year-old was under contract through 2031 with a buyout estimated at over $40 million, but Penn State boosters reportedly agreed to absorb a significant portion to expedite the coaching change.

Top Candidates to Replace James Franklin as Penn State Head Coach

One name generating buzz in the early stages of the search is Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti. As Johnny McGonigal of PennLive reported, Cignetti is seen as a top target thanks to his rapid transformation of Indiana into a national contender.

In his first season in 2024, Cignetti led Indiana to the College Football Playoff. In 2025, the Hoosiers remain undefeated and recently earned a statement win over Oregon. Known for his aggressive offensive style and relentless competitiveness, the 64-year-old coach has built a reputation as a “serial winner.”

However, persuading Cignetti to leave Indiana may not be easy. He enjoys strong institutional support, robust NIL funding, and near-total control over the program. Yet, Penn State’s status as a traditional powerhouse could tempt him to make one final move to cement his legacy.

Other possible candidates include rising offensive coordinator Garrett Riley of Clemson, known for his explosive play-calling, and Kansas State’s Chris Klieman, who has turned the Wildcats into a consistent Big 12 force. Former NFL coach Matt Rhule, now at Nebraska, could also emerge as a wildcard if Penn State pursues a proven program-builder.

What Franklin’s Firing Means for Penn State Football

The firing signals Penn State’s intent to elevate its football program from perennial contender to national champion. The Nittany Lions haven’t reached the College Football Playoff since its inception in 2014, despite fielding several top-10 teams under Franklin. With NIL collectives growing stronger and Big Ten expansion reshaping the landscape, the school views this as a critical inflection point.

The next head coach will inherit a talented roster, a passionate fan base, and one of the nation’s best recruiting pipelines. But expectations will be sky-high. Anything less than regular playoff contention will likely be seen as a failure by both the administration and supporters.

James Franklin’s departure closes a significant chapter in Penn State football history. As the search for his successor begins, the program’s future will depend on whether it can land a proven winner capable of taking the Nittany Lions to the next level.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why did Penn State fire James Franklin?

Penn State fired James Franklin after a disappointing three-game losing streak and failure to meet national title expectations, culminating in a shocking home loss to Northeastern.

Q2: Who could replace James Franklin as Penn State head coach?

Indiana’s Curt Cignetti is a leading candidate, with Garrett Riley, Chris Klieman, and Matt Rhule also possible options.

Q3: What was James Franklin’s record at Penn State?

Franklin finished with a 104-45 overall record and 64-36 mark in Big Ten play during his 11 seasons.

Q4: What’s next for Penn State football?

The program will launch a national coaching search with the goal of hiring a coach who can compete for College Football Playoff berths regularly.

Q5: Will James Franklin coach again?

Given his track record, Franklin is expected to be a candidate for other Power Five jobs or even NFL coordinator roles.