Penn State Fires Head Coach James Franklin After Three-Game Losing Streak
Penn State University fired head football coach James Franklin yesterday, October 14, 2025, following a disappointing 22-21 home loss to Northwestern and a three-game losing streak.
The move, coming mid-season for the traditionally strong Nittany Lions program, has sparked debate among college football analysts. Former Georgia star and analyst David Pollack expressed surprise, stating, “Should (Franklin) have been fired? I don’t think so. I don’t agree with it.” He acknowledged Franklin’s recent struggles but pointed out that since 2022, only a handful of coaches – Kirby Smart, Ryan Day, Kalen DeBoer, and Dan Lanning – have more wins than Franklin. This firing raises questions about the increasing pressure on coaches to deliver immediate national championship contention.
Pollack dismissed several potential replacements, including Mike Elko of Texas A&M and Curt Cignetti of Indiana, citing their current success and playoff aspirations with their respective programs. Lane Kiffin of Ole Miss was also deemed unlikely to leave, potentially only considering a move to Florida. However, Pollack highlighted Matt Rhule, currently at Nebraska, as a strong candidate due to his Penn State alumni status and prior working relationship with the university’s athletic director. He also suggested Iowa State’s Matt Campbell and Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz as viable options, noting Drinkwitz’s potential to bring his quarterback, Beau Pribula, with him to Penn State. You can find more information about NCAA Football on the official NCAA website.
University officials have not yet announced a timeline for naming an interim or permanent head coach, but a national search is expected to begin immediately to restore the program to its winning ways. Penn State’s athletic department released a statement thanking Franklin for his 12 years of service and wishing him well in his future endeavors, while also emphasizing the program’s commitment to competing for championships – a goal that became increasingly elusive this season, as detailed in a recent ESPN report.
