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45m ago

Penn State Fires James Franklin, Names Terry Smith Interim Coach

The move follows a three-game skid capped by Northwestern with QB Drew Allar lost for the season.

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)

Overview

  • Vice president for intercollegiate athletics Patrick Kraft said he will lead a national search for a permanent head coach.
  • Multiple outlets report Franklin’s buyout ranges from roughly $49 million to about $56.7 million, with some contract terms not publicly disclosed.
  • Franklin departs at 104-45 over 12 seasons, highlighted by the 2016 Big Ten title and a 2024 College Football Playoff semifinal, alongside persistent struggles in marquee games.
  • The firing came one day after a 22-21 home loss to Northwestern that dropped Penn State to 3-3 overall and 0-3 in Big Ten play.
  • Terry Smith takes over for the remainder of 2025 as Penn State heads to Iowa next, followed by dates with No. 1 Ohio State and No. 3 Indiana.