Penn State’s coaching landscape has undergone a significant change following the firing of head coach James Franklin. This decision came after a disappointing season that saw the team fall short of its preseason championship aspirations.
James Franklin’s Response to Firing
For the first time since his termination was announced on Sunday, Franklin spoke publicly during an appearance on ESPN’s College GameDay in Athens, Georgia. He revealed that athletic director Pat Kraft notified him of his firing at 1:30 PM, allowing only 15 minutes for him to share the news with his family before it became public.
In an emotional Sunday meeting with his team, Franklin expressed his shock at the abrupt decision. “I was in shock,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of informing his daughters first, ensuring they would not hear about it online. He reflected on his time at Penn State, stating, “What I want to do is focus on all the unbelievable moments.”
Franklin’s Legacy at Penn State
Franklin’s tenure at Penn State spanned 12 years, during which he achieved significant milestones. His notable accomplishments include:
- Big Ten Championship title in 2016
- Rose Bowl victory in 2022
- College Football Playoff semifinal appearance
Despite these successes, critics highlighted his 4-21 record against top-10 teams and recent back-to-back losses. In an interview, Franklin expressed confusion over the decision to part ways, commenting, “I really can’t answer that.”
Future Prospects for Franklin
Franklin remains eager to continue his coaching career. He mentioned that he has no hobbies and plans to seek employment immediately, as outlined in his contract’s “duty to mitigate” clause. This requirement states that any new income will be deducted from his approximate $50 million buyout from Penn State.
Franklin’s determination to win a national championship persists. He articulated, “I thought we were going to win a national championship at Penn State. We were close.” He is now focused on achieving that goal at a new institution.
