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New report details whether Adidas was behind Penn State's decision to fire James Franklin

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated Oct 13, 2025 12:52 PM ET

Shortly after news broke that the Penn State Nittany Lions had fired head coach James Franklin, a report from WV Sports Now’s Mike Asti began circulating on social media that claimed Adidas was behind the decision.

Adidas and Penn State recently announced a new apparel partnership that begins in 2026.

Via A To Z Sports

New report disputes the idea that Adidas was behind Penn State's decision to fire James Franklin

Front Office Sports' Daniel Roberts tweeted on Monday morning that Adidas is not helping pay Franklin's buyout, and that the decision to make a head coaching change was made solely by Penn State.

"In response to the viral tweet Sunday that claimed Adidas drove the Franklin firing and paid for it, Adidas directed me to PSU," tweeted Roberts. "PSU said, 'The report is patently false. This decision was made solely by Penn State. Adidas is not helping to pay the buyout for Coach Franklin.'"

In response to the viral tweet Sunday that claimed Adidas drove the Franklin firing and paid for it, Adidas directed me to PSU; PSU said "The report is patently false. This decision was made solely by Penn State. Adidas is not helping to pay the buyout for Coach Franklin." @FOS
— Daniel Roberts (@readDanwrite) October 13, 2025

The idea of Adidas, a company that's set to become a major factor in college football when it comes to NIL deals, calling the shots at Penn State is juicy. But it appears to be an idea that's not rooted in reality.

That's good news for college football. Adidas making the call on a head coach getting fired would set a bad precedent for the sport.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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