Inside James Franklin’s Rapid Exit from Penn State What Went Wrong
James Franklin’s abrupt departure from Penn State has left many in shock. The atmosphere turned sour soon after an unranked Clarkson University hockey team stunned the fourth-ranked Nittany Lions with chants of “Fire Franklin” following their 6-4 defeat. This sentiment carried over to the football field, where fans echoed these chants during Penn State’s unexpected 22-21 loss to Northwestern.
What Went Wrong for James Franklin?
The pressure mounted as the Nittany Lions began the season ranked No. 2 in the AP Top 25, with high expectations following their College Football Playoff semifinal appearance. Additionally, Penn State retained its three-year starting quarterback, Drew Allar, who was a Heisman Trophy favorite at the beginning of the season. Despite significant investments in roster and coaching, the Nittany Lions faltered under pressure. Franklin’s record plummeted to 4-21 against AP top-10 opponents and 1-18 in Big Ten games after a series of shocking defeats.
Key Losses and Turning Points
- Lost in double overtime at home to Oregon.
- Defeated by winless UCLA after the Bruins replaced their coach.
- Loss to unranked Northwestern, making Penn State the first team since 1978 to lose consecutive games as 20-point favorites or more.
The pressure and mounting expectations created an atmosphere where the Nittany Lions could not perform at their best. The school’s fan base and power brokers, tired of big game disappointments, lost faith in Franklin’s ability to lead the Nittany Lions to success.
Inside Penn State’s Future
Following Franklin’s dismissal, Penn State’s athletic director, Pat Kraft, emphasized a detailed evaluation of the program rather than a reaction to the three-game losing streak. Kraft was keen on aligning the trajectory of the program toward winning a national championship, displaying optimism despite the season’s setbacks.
Potential Coaching Candidates
- Curt Cignetti from Indiana
- Matt Campbell from Iowa State
- Mike Elko from Texas A&M
- Brent Key from Georgia Tech
- Matt Rhule from Nebraska
Matt Rhule, currently succeeding at Nebraska, is considered a potential frontrunner due to his connections with Kraft and history with Penn State as a player. Despite similar struggles in winning big games, his move is seen as a perfect match by insiders.
Legacy and Future Prospects for Franklin
Though James Franklin’s tenure at Penn State ended abruptly, his influence was noted positively by those close to the program. Franklin’s future in coaching looks promising, and his tenacity left a lasting impact on the players who praised his leadership despite adversities.
