James Franklin Fired from Penn State: Top Potential Landing Spots

BOOK AWAY GAME TRAVEL NOW!
Flights | Hotels | Vacation Rentals | Rental Cars | Experiences

In a seismic shift within the college football world, James Franklin has been let go as head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions. After more than eleven seasons at the helm, Franklin’s exit signals the end of a long era—and honestly, it leaves a lot of questions hanging for both him and Penn State.

The moment the news broke, speculation about Franklin’s next step started swirling. CBS Sports’ College Football Insiders already have him pegged as the hottest free agent in the 2025-26 coaching carousel. It’s no surprise, really. People are already tossing around theories about where he might land next.

Table of Contents

The End of an Era at Penn State

Franklin’s time at Penn State has had its ups and downs. He guided the Nittany Lions to several bowl games, including that unforgettable Rose Bowl run.

But in recent seasons, things just haven’t clicked. The program’s performance dipped, and that ultimately led to his firing. Pat Kraft, the Athletic Director, made it clear: Penn State wants new leadership to chase Big Ten and national titles.

Immediate Changes and Interim Leadership

With Franklin out, longtime assistant and former Penn State player Terry Smith steps in as interim head coach. Smith’s been around the program for years, but now he’s facing a real challenge—holding the team together through all this chaos.

Six games are left in the regular season. It’s a wild opportunity for Smith to show what he’s got, and maybe even make a case for a permanent gig if things go well.

What Lies Ahead for James Franklin?

The news of Franklin’s firing has, of course, kicked off a wave of speculation about his next move. CBS Sports’ insiders, like Chris Hummer and John Talty, have already started tossing out names of programs that might chase after him.

Franklin’s got a long resume and a reputation for turning programs around. It’s easy to imagine a handful of big-name schools giving him a call when the dust settles.

Potential Landing Spots for Franklin

So, which teams could come calling? A few big programs might see Franklin as the spark they need:

USC Trojans: With all that history and recent struggles, maybe Franklin’s energy and recruiting chops could turn things around.
LSU Tigers: After some rocky years, LSU might see Franklin as the guy to bring back stability—and some wins—in the SEC.
Florida Gators: Another SEC heavyweight that could use a fresh approach, and Franklin’s name has popped up more than once.
Texas Longhorns: Texas has the resources and the fan base. If Franklin wants a high-profile job, this could be it.

Impact on Penn State’s Future

Penn State now finds itself at a crossroads. Whoever they pick as the next head coach will shape the Nittany Lions’ direction for years to come.

The search is likely to be intense. They’re going to want someone who can bring new energy and maybe shake things up a bit.

Key Factors in the Coaching Search

There are a few big things Penn State will be looking for as they hunt for their next coach:

Track Record: They need someone who’s actually won at the college level. No exceptions.
Recruiting Ability: It’s not just about X’s and O’s—recruiting is everything if you want to stay competitive.
Cultural Fit: Whoever comes in has to mesh with Penn State’s values and build a strong team culture.
Innovative Strategies: The game keeps evolving. The new coach needs to keep up, maybe even get ahead of the curve.

Conclusion

The firing of James Franklin is a real turning point for him and the Penn State football program. It’s not every day you see a move that shakes things up this much.

Franklin’s next steps are anyone’s guess. Penn State, meanwhile, faces the tricky task of picking a new leader to steer the team forward.

The coaching carousel this year? It’s shaping up to be fascinating, maybe even a bit wild, with Franklin right in the thick of it. If you want to dig deeper, check out the full article over at 247Sports.

Joe Hughes is the founder of CollegeNetWorth.com, a comprehensive resource on college athletes' earnings potential in the NIL era. Combining his passion for sports with expertise in collegiate athletics, Joe provides valuable insights for athletes, fans, and institutions navigating this new landscape.

Additional Reading: