Penn State Dismisses Head Coach James Franklin Amid Season Struggles
Following a series of unexpected losses, Penn State has terminated head coach James Franklin, initiating a search for his successor.
Penn State University has dismissed head football coach James Franklin after a series of unexpected defeats, including losses to Oregon, UCLA, and Northwestern. Franklin, who led the Nittany Lions to a 104-45 record over 12 seasons, was relieved of his duties following the team's 3-3 start to the 2025 season.
Athletic Director Pat Kraft is now leading the search for Franklin's successor. Among the top candidates is Curt Cignetti, the current head coach at Indiana. A Pittsburgh native, Cignetti has transformed the Hoosiers into contenders, achieving a 17-2 record since his arrival and leading them to a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024. His recent victory over Oregon has further elevated his profile.
Another prominent candidate is Matt Rhule, head coach at Nebraska and a former Penn State linebacker. Rhule has a history of revitalizing programs, with successful tenures at Temple and Baylor before his current role with the Cornhuskers. His deep ties to Penn State and previous working relationship with Kraft make him a strong contender.
Other potential candidates include Manny Diaz, head coach at Duke and former Penn State defensive coordinator; Clark Lea, head coach at Vanderbilt; and Matt Campbell, head coach at Iowa State. Each brings a unique set of experiences and successes that could align with Penn State's objectives.
The search for a new head coach is underway, with the university aiming to find a leader who can guide the Nittany Lions back to national prominence.