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Penn State Fires James Franklin, Names Terry Smith Interim Head Coach

The move carries one of college football’s largest reported buyouts for a coach who went 104-45 over 12 seasons.

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.
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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)
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Overview

  • The university announced the dismissal Sunday, less than 24 hours after a 22-21 home loss to Northwestern that followed defeats to Oregon and winless UCLA and dropped Penn State to 3-3.
  • Associate head coach Terry Smith was appointed interim for the remainder of the season as athletic director Patrick Kraft begins a national search for a permanent replacement.
  • Reports place Franklin’s buyout between roughly $49 million and $56.7 million, with a 2024 contract amendment not publicly disclosed potentially affecting the final figure.
  • Starting quarterback Drew Allar sustained a season-ending injury late against Northwestern, further complicating the Nittany Lions’ outlook for the remainder of 2025.
  • Franklin departs with a 104-45 record, a 2016 Big Ten title and a 2024 CFP semifinal run but a 4-21 mark vs. AP top-10 foes, as Penn State faces Iowa next before dates with No. 1 Ohio State and No. 7 Indiana.