The Real Reason Why Penn State Fired James Franklin Despite His £68 Million Deal

It was the kind of collapse that legends are made of, but for all the wrong reasons. Less than a year after coaching in a College Football Playoff semifinal, James Franklin is out of a job.

Penn State has officially parted ways with its head coach, ending a tenure defined by a colossal £68 million contract and a crippling inability to win when it mattered most.

The university's decision, confirmed by sources to ESPN on 12 October 2025, came after a disastrous two-week stretch that turned a promising season into a full-blown crisis, punctuated by chants of 'Fire Franklin!' echoing through Beaver Stadium. Franklin's dismissal follows years of mounting criticism over his failure to deliver wins against top-tier competition.

A Stunning Fall From Playoff Contender to Crisis

The tipping point was a trip to Los Angeles two weeks ago. Penn State fell to UCLA, a team that had been winless and, remarkably, had not held a single lead all season. The humiliation was immediate and palpable.

That defeat was followed by an even more shocking 22–21 home loss to Northwestern, a game the Nittany Lions entered as a three-touchdown favourite. The loss at home, in front of their own supporters, proved to be the final straw for the university's leadership.

The growing unrest among the fan base had become impossible to ignore.

The Numbers That Broke the Deal

Ultimately, Franklin's fate was sealed by a damning set of statistics. His record against elite competition was a persistent sore spot that never healed.

He finished his time at Penn State with a 4–21 record against AP top-10 teams. The numbers were even more grim within their own conference; Franklin held a dismal 1–18 mark against top-10 Big Ten opponents.

According to ESPN Research, his .160 winning percentage in those crucial matchups ranks among the worst in modern college football history for coaches with at least 25 such games. This single data point encapsulates the core frustration of his tenure.

Contract Size Versus Performance

Franklin's massive £68 million deal, signed in 2021, was meant to signal long-term stability and a commitment to competitive dominance. It was an investment designed to elevate the Nittany Lions into the sport's highest tier.

Instead, it became a lightning rod for criticism. As Penn State continued to falter in high-profile games, the contract looked less like a wise investment and more like a gross overpayment.

The deal included substantial buyout protections, making the decision to fire him both a financially and politically significant move for the university.

What Comes Next for Penn State

The firing signals a complete reset for a football programme that has struggled to break into the upper echelon of the sport. Despite strong recruiting and occasional flashes of brilliance, consistency has remained elusive.

University officials have not yet announced an interim head coach, but the search for a permanent replacement is reportedly underway. The team faces an immediate uphill battle, especially with starting quarterback Drew Allar now out for the season due to injury.

Alumni and boosters are expected to play a key role in shaping this next chapter. The mandate is clear: find a leader who can consistently compete with the likes of Michigan, Ohio State, and other national powerhouses.

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