Particle.news
Download on the App Store
145 ARTICLES
·
2h ago

Penn State Fires James Franklin After 3-3 Start, Names Terry Smith Interim Coach

Reports place his buyout near $50 million following a three-game skid.

Penn State Head Coach James Franklin looks on during the fourth quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium on October 11, 2025, in State College, Pennsylvania.
Image
Image
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 04: Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions reacts against the UCLA Bruins during the third quarter at Rose Bowl Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Athletic director Patrick Kraft announced the move one day after a 22-21 home loss to Northwestern and cited program standards in a statement.
  • Associate head coach and former Nittany Lions receiver Terry Smith will lead the team for the rest of the season.
  • Penn State is 3-3 and 0-3 in the Big Ten after losses to Oregon in double overtime, UCLA, and Northwestern, and quarterback Drew Allar is out for the season.
  • Franklin departs with a 104-45 record over 11-plus seasons, including a 2016 Big Ten title and a 2024 College Football Playoff semifinal, but a poor mark against top-10 opponents.
  • Outlets report the buyout as more than $48 million and potentially near $56 million, adding scrutiny as the department pursues a $700 million Beaver Stadium renovation and launches a national coaching search.