Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

Penn State Sends Message To James Franklin Hours After Firing

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Oct 12, 2025 5:34 PM ET

The Penn State Nittany Lions fired head coach James Franklin on Sunday after the team fell to 3-3.

Penn State came into the year with College Football Playoff National Championship expectations after reaching the semifinal a season ago.

They returned many big contributors, including quarterback Drew Allar, and even brought in former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to coach their defense.

But after failing to win the big games and a rough start to his 12th season with the program, the school decided to part ways with him.

Hours after the decision, Penn State shared a message for Franklin on social media.

"Thank you for everything, CJF," Penn State Football posted with photos of him.

Thank you for everything, CJF. pic.twitter.com/2ZkNYrEbRp
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) October 12, 2025

Penn State started the season 3-0 but has since fallen to 3-3, with losses to Oregon, UCLA and Northwestern.

Terry Smith will be the interim coach moving forward as Penn State begins searching for a new head coach.

Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin and quarterback Drew Allar (15) react after losing to the Oregon Ducks.© James Lang-Imagn Images

Smith's road to righting the ship won't be easy. The Nittany Lions will face the Iowa Hawkeyes next, then the Ohio State Buckeyes and then the Indiana Hoosiers.

Franklin ends his time in State College with a record of 104-45. In his career, he is 128-60.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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