Penn State Fires James Franklin After 12 Years

Penn State fired coach James Franklin after a 3-3 start and three straight losses, ending his 12-year run in which he went 104–45, won a Big Ten title, produced seven New Year’s Six appearances, posted a school‑record 13‑win season and led the program to its first College Football Playoff berth. Accounts say athletic director Pat Kraft informed Franklin by phone shortly before practice; Franklin called the dismissal “surreal,” said he was shocked and was still processing the abrupt timing. Franklin expressed pride in rebuilding the program from the post‑Sandusky era and heartbreak over the impact on players, staff, recruits and his family, noting his youngest daughter Addison had planned to join the program. On ESPN College GameDay, Nick Saban called the decision “unfair as hell,” and alumni including Saquon Barkley said the firing “definitely hurts,” praising Franklin’s influence and crediting him for recruiting Barkley. Franklin said he will focus on the relationships and people affected as he contemplates his next steps in coaching.