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1h ago

Penn State Fires James Franklin After Three-Game Slide as Terry Smith Takes Over

The university installed longtime assistant Terry Smith as interim head coach, signaling a costly midseason reset with a reported buyout near $50 million.

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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Overview

  • Athletic director Pat Kraft announced Franklin’s dismissal one day after a 22-21 home loss to Northwestern and said a national search for a permanent coach is underway.
  • Multiple outlets report Franklin’s buyout is roughly $49–50 million, which industry reporters say ranks as the second-largest in college football after Jimbo Fisher’s payout.
  • Penn State fell to 3-3 following consecutive losses to Oregon in double overtime, winless UCLA, and Northwestern after opening the season ranked No. 2.
  • Starting quarterback Drew Allar sustained a season-ending leg injury against Northwestern, forcing a change under center for the stretch ahead.
  • Franklin departs with a 104-45 record highlighted by a 2016 Big Ten title and a 2024 College Football Playoff semifinal, but persistent struggles in marquee games fueled the move.