Why did Penn State fire head coach James Franklin after 12 seasons? Check details

Penn State stunned the college football world by announcing the dismissal of head coach James Franklin after 12 seasons, a decision that comes with a hefty $49 million buyout, the second-largest in college football history. The move, revealed on Sunday, (October 12, 2025), follows a string of disappointing performances that culminated in back-to-back losses, prompting chants of "Fire Franklin!" from fans at Beaver Stadium.

Associate head coach Terry Smith will step in as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

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