Overview

• Associate head coach Terry Smith was named interim as athletic director Pat Kraft launched a national search for a permanent replacement.
• Multiple outlets peg Franklin’s buyout near $49 million, the second-largest in college football, and Kraft said the athletics department will cover the cost.
• Front Office Sports obtained Franklin’s contract showing a duty to seek new work and an offset provision requiring Penn State’s payments be reduced by his future compensation.
• On3 reported Kraft plans to pursue high-profile targets, with Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman among names linked, while other reports and analysts have floated Matt Rhule, Curt Cignetti and Brian Hartline.
• Recruiting turbulence followed the firing, including the decommitment of five-star 2027 running back Kemon Spell and additional prospects reopening their recruitment.