James Franklin Got the Rudest Goodbye From Penn State Fans After Final Loss

Andy Nesbitt | Oct 12, 2025

James Franklin's run as Penn State's head coach came to an end Sunday. / Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

James Franklin's run as the head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions came to an end Sunday, as he was fired by the school after losing his last three games.

The final defeat came Saturday when Penn State was stunned at home by Northwestern, losing 22-21 in game that the Nittany Lions were favored by more than three touchdowns to win.

Moments after the game, Franklin was seen standing on the field for a little bit before he made his way back to the locker room for what ended up being the last time in his career.

Penn State fans were very upset with Franklin after the loss and many of them were heard booing him as he and his family walked through the tunnel.

This was an ugly scene, especially since you can hear one fan saying that they can see Franklin's daughter walking back with her dad.

I, and many other Penn State fans, gave James Franklin a warm welcome as he walked into the locker room l. pic.twitter.com/5ouIiL5VBt

— tmey (@ChrisMe94054131) October 11, 2025

Fans have every right to be disappointed in their team for losing a game, but that moment seemed to cross a line and was a rough look for a fanbase that now must wait to find out who will be the next head coach of their favorite football team.

Franklin, meanwhile, will enjoy being paid out $49 million from Penn State, which should make him feel a little better after what he had to experience on Saturday.

Franklin's firing comes just months after he led Penn State to the semifinals of the College Football Playoff.

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