Here is a closer look at the factors behind the exit of James Franklin and what it means to Penn State. James Franklin in Action (File Photo) (Getty Images via AFP) Penn State stunned the university football world by announcing the dismissal of head coach James Franklin after 12 seasons, a decision with a major buyout of $ 49 million, the second largest in the football history of the university. The move, unveiled on Sunday (October 12, 2025), follows a series of disappointing performances that result in back-to-back losses, which is the song of “Fire Franklin!” of fans at Beaver Stadium. Co -head coach Terry Smith will enter as interim head coach for the rest of the season. What led to the shocking decision? The decision to share ways with Franklin comes less than a year after Penn State reached the semi -finals of the College Football play -off match, a highlight in Franklin’s term of office. However, recent performances have exposed cracks in the program. Two weeks ago, the Nittany Lions suffered an incredible loss to a previously winless UCLA team in Los Angeles. The defeat was a low, as UCLA didn’t even have an edge all season before the game. The following week, Penn State returned home to North West, only to lose 22-21 in a match struggling with six fines of the first half of a total of 71 meters. These losses have made Penn States the first team since the 1978 FBS-FCS tearing to drop consecutive games as 20-point favorite, according to ESPN research. Why did Penn States struggle against top teams? Franklin’s record against elite competition has long been a controversy. His record of 4-21 against AP Top-10 teams, including a gloomy 1-18 against the Top-10 Big Toonstanders, emphasized his fight in the match matches. This .160 winning percentage is linked to the third worst among coaches with at least 25 games at a single school since the AP poll in 1936. A striking loss earlier this season to Oregon in Happy Valley further emphasized these challenges, resulting in the pressure on an already investigated term. How did injuries and execution issues play a role? The northwestern game exposed additional vulnerabilities. Quarterback Drew Allar sustained an injury on the season in the fourth quarter, a significant blow to the team’s prospects. The undisciplined game of the Nittany Lions, especially in the first half against North West, has worsened their misery. The team’s inability to utilize their talent and avoid mistakes that have been administered has aroused frustration among fans and administrators. What is the next for Penn State Football? Penn State Vice President of Inter -Collegiate Athletics Patrick Kraft emphasized the high expectations of the program in his statement, “We believe it is the right moment for new leadership at the helm of our football program to promote us to Big Ten and National Championships.” Despite Franklin’s departure, his legacy includes tying RIP Engle for the second wins in the history of Penn State. While Terry Smith is taking the reins, the Nittany Lions face the challenge of regrouping the rest of the season, while the search for a permanent head coach begins.
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