Image Credit: Gettyimages
Penn State has officially dismissed head coach James Franklin after 12 seasons, marking the end of an era in Happy Valley. The university confirmed that Franklin will receive a massive $49 million buyout, the second-largest in college football history.
Image Credit: Gettyimages
Associate head coach Terry Smith has been appointed as interim coach for the remainder of the season, with no additional coaching changes expected, according to ESPN’s Heather Dinich.
Image Credit: Gettyimages
The firing follows a disastrous stretch in which Penn State lost to previously winless UCLA and then to Northwestern, becoming the first FBS team since 1978 to lose consecutive games as 20+ point favorites.
Image Credit: Gettyimages
Franklin’s struggles against elite competition were a long-running issue, holding a dismal 4-21 record versus AP top-10 teams and just 1-18 against top-10 Big Ten opponents during his tenure.
Image Credit: Gettyimages
Despite his late-career decline, Franklin is credited with restoring Penn State’s football credibility post-NCAA sanctions, producing NFL stars like Saquon Barkley and Micah Parsons, and winning the 2016 Big Ten Championship.
Image Credit: Gettyimages
Athletic director Pat Kraft praised Franklin for revitalizing the program but said the school is ready for “new leadership” to help Penn State compete for Big Ten and national titles after years of falling short.
Image Credit: Gettyimages
Nicole Kidman’s “New Romance” Rumor Sparks Internet Frenzy
thanks for reading
Credit: Unsplash
join our