Less than a month after entering the season with national championship ambitions, Penn State has fired head coach James Franklin, bringing an abrupt end to an 11-plus-year tenure marked by both success and frustration.
The decision came Sunday following a stunning series of losses that derailed the Nittany Lions’ 2025 campaign. The turning point was a defeat to Oregon — the kind of marquee game Franklin frequently struggled to win — followed by shocking upsets against previously winless UCLA and heavy underdog Northwestern. A season-ending injury to star quarterback Drew Allar in the Northwestern loss deepened the collapse, effectively sealing Franklin’s fate.
Franklin leaves Happy Valley less than a year after Penn State reached the College Football Playoff semifinal, falling to Notre Dame one step short of the national title game. The school had invested heavily in facilities, NIL infrastructure, and recruiting to pursue a championship in 2025, but after the team’s rapid downturn, athletic director Patrick Kraft moved decisively.
Franklin, 53, posted a 98–50 record at Penn State since arriving in 2014, winning a Big Ten title in 2016 and reaching three New Year’s Six bowls. However, his 4–21 record against top-10 opponents, coupled with repeated shortcomings in high-profile games, ultimately proved insurmountable.
Top Candidates to Replace Franklin
Penn State’s search will be one of the most closely watched in the nation. With premier facilities, fertile recruiting grounds across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, and Big Ten membership, the program is expected to aim high. Several prominent names have already emerged as early candidates:
Matt Rhule (Nebraska): The former Nittany Lions walk-on linebacker and Temple coach is seen as a natural fit. Rhule has rebuilt Nebraska into a contender, currently sitting at 5–1 in Year 3, and has a close relationship with Kraft dating back to their Temple days. Returning to his alma mater to chase a national title could be tempting, though Rhule is happy in Lincoln and may be difficult to pry away.
Curt Cignetti (Indiana): The 64-year-old has engineered one of the Big Ten’s most surprising turnarounds, transforming long-struggling Indiana into a contender and matching Franklin in CFP trips. A move to Penn State would give him the resources to compete for national titles late in his career.
Matt Campbell (Iowa State): Long rumored for major jobs, Campbell has built a consistent winner in Ames. With a strong offensive background and ties to the region, he’s seen as a candidate who could maximize Penn State’s offensive potential — something that eluded Franklin.
Manny Diaz (Duke): The former Penn State defensive coordinator has gone 13–6 in two seasons at Duke, elevating the program quickly after his Miami tenure. Diaz’s familiarity with Penn State’s roster and recruiting footprint could make for a smoother transition.
Dan Mullen (UNLV): Off to a 6–0 start in his first season at UNLV, the former Florida coach is considered one of the best quarterback developers in college football. A Pennsylvania native, Mullen’s overall record (109–61) and offensive acumen could be attractive, though he is less known for aggressive recruiting.
Roster and Recruiting Fallout
The coaching change is expected to have immediate implications for Penn State’s roster and recruiting classes. Quarterback Drew Allar’s season-ending injury complicates the team’s short-term outlook, while the NCAA transfer portal is likely to see significant activity as players reassess their futures. Top recruits may also wait to see who the next head coach will be before reaffirming commitments.
What’s Next
Kraft is expected to move quickly, with the early signing period and portal window looming. Penn State’s resources and prestige make it one of the top available jobs in college football, and the program aims to position itself to compete immediately in the expanded College Football Playoff era.
Franklin’s departure closes a significant chapter in Nittany Lions history. His tenure restored stability and national relevance after the post-Sandusky era, but ultimately fell short of the championship heights fans and administrators envisioned. The next hire will be tasked with turning those ambitions into reality.
Source: ESPN