Penn State Fires Head Coach James Franklin After Disappointing Start to Season

Penn State Athletic Director Pat Kraft’s Statement on Coaching Change

On Monday, Pat Kraft, the athletic director at Penn State, addressed the media regarding the recent firing of head football coach James Franklin. The decision comes after the Nittany Lions suffered a 3-3 start to the season, including a demoralizing loss to Northwestern. Kraft described the situation as "extremely difficult," emphasizing the need for change within the program.

"Football is our backbone. We’ve invested at the highest level. With that comes high expectations," Kraft stated. "Ultimately, I believe a new leader can help us win a national championship, and now is the right time for this change."

Expectations for Franklin’s Successor

Kraft highlighted the challenges Franklin faced, particularly given the resources available to him. Franklin is owed over $49 million, prompting discussions about the program’s expectations moving forward. Kraft stressed the qualities he seeks in Franklin’s successor:

• Maximizing Elite-Level Resources: The new coach must effectively utilize the extensive facilities and support available at Penn State.
• Transfer Portal Strategy: The incoming coach should have a clear plan for navigating the transfer portal to enhance team performance.
• Development Skills: A focus on player development to elevate the program’s competitive edge is crucial.

Recent Performance and Future Prospects

Penn State began the 2025 season ranked No. 2 in the nation and started strong with three consecutive victories. However, the team’s momentum faltered with a dual-overtime loss to Oregon and a shocking defeat against a previously winless UCLA team.

"This is not a three-game thing," Kraft remarked, referring to the team’s performance. "This is really about where we were as a program and what the trajectory looks like."

Kraft acknowledged the scrutiny surrounding the financial implications of the firing, affirming that the athletic department will manage the costs involved.

"This is an athletics issue. This is not the institution’s issue," he confirmed. "We are absorbing all the costs associated with this."

Addressing Player Retention and Interim Coaching

In light of potential player transfers following Franklin’s departure, Kraft expressed confidence in interim head coach Terry Smith, who he labeled as an "elite recruiter." Smith’s capabilities are seen as vital to retaining current players amid the changing landscape of college football.

"I’m not gonna be naive. I probably know that every Power 4 conference team has reached out to our student-athletes already," Kraft noted. "Terry gives me comfort while we make this transition."

Navigating the Rest of the Season

As Penn State enters the latter half of the season, the team will face significant challenges ahead. They will play critical games against top-ranked opponents, including No. 1 Ohio State and No. 3 Indiana. Adding to the turmoil, the squad will be without starting quarterback Drew Allar, who suffered a season-ending leg injury during the recent game against Northwestern.

The Nittany Lions’ next matchup is scheduled against Iowa, where they aim to regroup and prepare for the rest of the challenging season.

Summary

The firing of James Franklin marks a pivotal moment for Penn State football as the program looks to reclaim its position among the elite in college football. With a new coaching direction and interim leadership in place, fans remain hopeful for future success as the season progresses.

For more information on the Penn State Nittany Lions, fans can visit Penn State Football.

Follow updates on Penn State football and stay tuned for the appointment of the new head coach as the program seeks to regain its competitive edge.