Franklin could be emerging as leading candidate in Arkansas coaching search

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — James Franklin’s dismissal from his previous post has quickly shifted the national coaching conversation toward Fayetteville.

Arkansas does have an opening and now one of the college football's most recognizable names is available. Whether he should be the leading candidate or not isn't relevant now but it will be a topic of speculation.

Franklin, 53, was officially let go Sunday after Penn State’s third straight loss, ending a tenure that included multiple New Year’s Six appearances and Top-10 finishes. Within hours, several outlets reported that Arkansas athletic director Hunter Yurachek and representatives tied to the Razorbacks’ search had begun discussing Franklin as a possible candidate.

Franklin’s name enters a crowded but evolving pool.

Arkansas fired Sam Pittman earlier this month after back-to-back losing seasons. Offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino was elevated to interim head coach and remains under consideration after the Razorbacks’ narrow 34-31 loss to Tennessee.

Breaking: Penn State has fired James Franklin, sources told @PeteThamel.

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An experienced, if polarizing, candidate

Franklin’s résumé immediately commands attention. In 12 seasons with the Nittany Lions, he rebuilt a program still recovering from NCAA sanctions, guiding it to double-digit win seasons and consistent Top-25 finishes.

Before that, he transformed Vanderbilt into a bowl regular, a feat unmatched in modern Commodore history. That may be changing but that hasn't happened yet.

That track record of building competitive programs has made him a logical candidate for Arkansas, which has struggled to sustain momentum in the rugged SEC West.

His recruiting background and media savvy could also appeal to Razorback boosters and the athletic department’s new marketing approach.

But Franklin’s candidacy comes with baggage. His teams were often criticized for inconsistent play in big games and late-season collapses.

He also carries a reputation for being meticulous and sometimes distant, traits that play differently in a football-obsessed community like Fayetteville.

Arkansas Razorbacks athletics director Hunter Yurachek on the sidelines at a game against the Arkansas State Red Wolves at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Ark. | Ted McClenning-allHOGS Images

Fit, finances and timing

Franklin’s contractual situation could complicate any move.

Reports from CBS Sports and Newsweek placed his buyout near $50 million, though negotiations or mutual settlements could significantly lower that number.

Arkansas, meanwhile, already owes significant money to Pittman’s staff, forcing Yurachek to balance fiscal reality with the pressure to make a marquee hire.

Still, boosters close to the program have shown willingness to invest. The Razorback Foundation helped fund Petrino’s return last offseason and contributed to facility upgrades.

If Franklin expresses interest, Arkansas could position itself as a destination for a proven name ready for a reset. He'll also need to find a personality because that is almost a requirement in this state.

Industry sources told On3 that Arkansas is expected to move “aggressively but deliberately,” evaluating both high-profile veterans and younger coordinators. Franklin’s availability simply expands that conversation.

Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin reacts during the fourth quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Beaver Stadium. | James Lang-Imagn Images

Assessing Franklin’s appeal in Fayetteville

The appeal is obvious. Franklin’s recruiting acumen, SEC familiarity and experience managing large programs check key boxes.

How coaching a Big Ten program translates to the Razorbacks hasn't done well the last time it was tried with someone replacing Petrino. Bret Bielema was kicked out after five seasons.

At Vanderbilt, his teams finished 24-15 across three seasons — a record unmatched since the 1920s. His success there proved he can navigate academic constraints, donor politics and tough divisions.

For Arkansas, that history matters. After a decade of turbulence under Bielema, Chad Morris and Pittman, stability is valued as much as flash.

Franklin’s media polish and player-development reputation could resonate with a fan base hungry for consistent bowl contention.

But there’s caution too.

“Franklin’s ceiling has always been high, but his teams often plateau,” ESPN analyst Greg McElroy said this week. “If Arkansas wants someone to build a foundation, he’s a fit. If they want fireworks, maybe not.”

Razorbacks’ roadmap moving forward

Yurachek’s search committee is expected to narrow the field by early November, with on-campus interviews potentially occurring after Arkansas’ final regular-season game.

Petrino remains a sentimental favorite among some boosters, but insiders say Franklin’s experience in the Big Ten and SEC gives him a strong early foothold.

Other names gaining traction include Rhett Lashlee of SMU, Jon Sumrall of Tulane, and Mike Elko of Texas A&M should he become available.

The search’s pace will depend on Franklin’s negotiations and whether Arkansas wants a splash hire before December recruiting.

For now, Franklin’s availability gives Yurachek leverage, both to excite donors and to pressure other candidates.

A new crossroads for both sides

For Franklin, the decision to re-enter the SEC could serve as career redemption after a messy exit.

For Arkansas, hiring a coach with multiple 10-win seasons and national recruiting reach would signal a bold step toward relevance.

What happens next hinges on timing, money and mutual interest. But as one industry insider told The Athletic, “Arkansas just became the first real fit for James Franklin since he left the South.”

Whether that fit becomes reality may define both Franklin’s next chapter and the Razorbacks’ long-term future.

Key takeaways

James Franklin’s dismissal immediately positioned him as a leading candidate in Arkansas’ active coaching search.
Franklin’s résumé includes program-building success at both Vanderbilt and his prior Power Five stop.
Arkansas’ decision may hinge on Franklin’s buyout terms, financial flexibility, and cultural fit in the SEC.