James Franklin, the recently dismissed head coach of Penn State, expressed his shock during an appearance on ESPN’s “College GameDay.” His comments marked his first public remarks since his firing, which he described as a “surreal” experience.
Details Surrounding Franklin’s Dismissal
Franklin’s dismissal came after a difficult stretch for the Nittany Lions, who entered the season with high hopes of a national championship. However, the team’s fortunes changed dramatically following three consecutive losses. He revealed that Penn State’s athletic director, Pat Kraft, informed him of the decision shortly after a practice last Sunday. This notification followed a painful 22-21 loss to Northwestern.
Franklin recounted the emotional moment he had to notify his players, stating, “I was in shock, obviously.” He took time to speak to his children before addressing the team. He highlighted the deep impact his departure would have on the players and staff, emphasizing that many people’s lives were affected by the decision.
Penn State’s Tumultuous Season
This season has been particularly tumultuous for Penn State, culminating in one of the most astonishing 15-day episodes in college football history. The Nittany Lions recorded three successive defeats to Oregon, UCLA, and Northwestern, which decimated their championship aspirations. Despite Franklin’s strong overall record, he struggled against top-ranked teams with only a 4-21 record against them.
- Franklin’s tenure record: 104 wins, 45 losses
- Big Ten record: 65 wins, 37 losses
- He was the 2016 Big Ten Coach of the Year
Unfortunately for Penn State, the final blow was the loss to Northwestern, where they also lost starting quarterback Drew Allar to a season-ending injury.
Future Directions for James Franklin
In light of the recent developments, Franklin conveyed his desire to get back into football. Interestingly, he mentioned the support he has received from former players and recruits during this challenging time. He stated, “We’re just going to go win the national championship somewhere else now.”
Legendary Alabama coach Nick Saban publicly criticized the decision to fire Franklin, calling it unfair given Franklin’s accomplishments, including playoff appearances and achieving a No. 1 ranking this year.
Interim Coaching Arrangements
Terry Smith, the associate head coach and cornerbacks coach, has stepped in as Penn State’s interim head coach. The team will face Iowa in their upcoming matchup.
The swift action taken by the Penn State administration regarding Franklin’s firing illustrates their commitment to competing at a higher level in college football.
