Penn State Fires James Franklin: College Football World Reacts to Stunning Move

Franklin's firing wasn't shocking.

Penn State fired head football coach James Franklin on Sunday. / Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

Penn State has fired James Franklin after an inexplicable three-game losing streak ended his 12-season run in Happy Valley.

The Nittany Lions opened the 2025 season 3-0 before a brutal, home overtime loss to Oregon, then back-to-back upset losses to UCLA and Northwestern put the team at 3-3 and Franklin's career at a crossroads. Penn State decided those last two losses were too much and fired the 53-year-old head coach on Sunday.

MORE: Eight possible replacements for James Franklin

While Franklin will be searching for a new job, he'll have plenty of cash to keep him company, as Penn State owes him an astronomical $49 million buyout.

Last season, Franklin guided Penn State to two wins in the College Football Playoff, and the Nittany Lions lost their semifinal matchup with Notre Dame 27-24. They were within striking distance of the national title game, but a few months later, the team's coach has been canned.

While Franklin's firing wasn't totally unexpected after the last three weeks, the college football world had strong reactions to the news.

Some of the most notable responses are below.

James Franklin was one pass away from the NATIONAL TITLE GAME 276 days ago.

— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) October 12, 2025

James Franklin walked into a dumpster fire and brought the program back to relevancy faster than anyone thought possible. He had us a consistent winner and put Penn State back on the map, and for that he’ll always have my respect and appreciation.

But it was time.

— The Penn State Troll 🦁🧌 (@ThePSUTroll) October 12, 2025

Barely 10 months ago James Franklin had won 2 College Football Playoff games and came within 3 points of playing for a natty. But PSU has lost 3 straight, 1 in OT to a top 5 team and 2 to #Bottom10 teams, so today he is unemployed. College football is a tough ass business.

— Ryan McGee (@ESPNMcGee) October 12, 2025

James Franklin's 2025:

January 9th: Playing for a spot in the national title game

November 12th: Fired

Life comes at you fast... pic.twitter.com/Owzmp1dZ5N

— College Sports Only (@CSOonX) October 12, 2025

James Franklin on his way to the bank after getting fired https://t.co/JbzxRHED2Q pic.twitter.com/9Y72O0F5R9

— Chris Williamson (@CWilliamson44) October 12, 2025

Right move for both sides.

James Franklin did a lot of good for PSU. Brought program back into contention. Never could get over the hump.

He will get another opportunity. PSU can get an offensive innovator and QB guru. pic.twitter.com/K7lQjtkbOe

— Luke Hetrick (@LHSportsTV) October 12, 2025

My favorite James Franklin moment at Penn State is when he chose to kick a field goal from the 3-yard line while trailing 28-0.

Quite possibly the saddest field goal in college football history. pic.twitter.com/zjmWbnIBmk

— Brandon Koretz (@BrandonKoretz) October 12, 2025

How James Franklin is sleeping tonight after being fired pic.twitter.com/c84oA9Gr4A

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 12, 2025

Penn State head coach James Franklin has been fired, according to ESPN. That means Penn State will now pay Franklin $48 million to not coach football. There is not a single better job in America than being a big-time college football coach who gets fired.

— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) October 12, 2025

Franklin will finish his tenure at Penn State with a 104-45 record, and he was 64-36 in the Big Ten. The Nittany Lions won the 2016 Big Ten championship on his watch, but routinely struggled against top teams. Franklin's squads were 1-15 against teams in the top five and 4-21 against top 10 teams. That kind of record in big games will get you fired at a place like Penn State.

Now Penn State is searching for another head coach.

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