Penn State Fires Football Head Coach James Franklin After Three-Game Losing Streak

Penn State University announced today the firing of head football coach James Franklin after 11 and a half seasons, ending an era marked by consistent success but ultimately falling short of championship aspirations.

Athletics director Pat Kraft made the announcement this afternoon, October 17, 2025, following a stunning three-game losing streak that dashed hopes for a College Football Playoff berth. The decision comes as a surprise to some, given Franklin’s overall record with the Nittany Lions, but reflects the program’s inability to secure a signature victory in recent years. This move throws one of college football’s most prominent programs into a period of uncertainty.

A national search for Franklin’s replacement will begin immediately, with several names already surfacing as potential candidates. Reports indicate that Matt Rhule, Curt Cignetti, Eli Drinkwitz, and even former coach Urban Meyer are being considered. The coaching change is expected to have significant implications for recruiting and the future direction of the Penn State football program; you can find more information about NCAA Football on the official NCAA website.

Kraft has stated the university is committed to finding a coach who can lead the Nittany Lions to consistent championship contention. The timing of the firing allows Penn State to potentially attract top coaching talent during the current coaching cycle, and the university is offering a special VIP subscription for fans seeking live updates on the search here.

Officials have indicated they will take a thorough and deliberate approach to the search, with no firm timeline for a hire.