Imagine being just one win away from a national championship, only to be let go a year later. That’s exactly what happened to James Franklin, Penn State’s head coach, who was fired on Sunday after a shocking three-game losing streak in the 2025 season. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this decision fair, or was it a knee-jerk reaction to a temporary slump? Let’s dive in.
Penn State’s Athletic Director, Pat Kraft, didn’t hold back during a candid press conference on Monday. He revealed that the decision to part ways with Franklin wasn’t just about the recent losses—it was about the bigger picture. Kraft emphasized his vision to build ‘the best program in the country,’ and unfortunately, Franklin no longer fit into that future. But this is the part most people miss: Kraft admitted he knew the decision was inevitable on Saturday night, immediately after Penn State’s heartbreaking 22-21 loss to Northwestern. He even said, ‘I was going to sleep on it on Sunday, but I knew it was the right course of action for us as a program—and more importantly, for the team.’
Kraft’s transparency is commendable, but it raises questions. Was Franklin’s dismissal truly about long-term trajectory, or did the pressure of unmet expectations force Kraft’s hand? After all, just last year, Franklin had the Nittany Lions on the brink of a College Football Playoff title game. Now, he’s out after six games in 2025. Is that enough time to fairly evaluate a coach’s potential?
Kraft was quick to clarify that this wasn’t a ‘three-game thing,’ but rather a strategic move to position Penn State for a national championship. Interim coach Terry Smith has already been named as a potential long-term replacement, with Kraft noting he ‘absolutely’ has a shot at the full-time role. But here’s the real question: Can a mid-season coaching change truly turn the tide, or will it create more instability for the program?
This decision has sparked heated debates among fans and analysts alike. Some argue it was necessary to shake things up, while others believe Franklin deserved more time. What do you think? Was Kraft’s move justified, or did he pull the trigger too soon? Let us know in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.
