Penn State just threw away nearly $50 million to fire a winning coach after three bad games, proving that even successful programs have lost all sense of fiscal responsibility and patience in today’s instant-gratification culture.
See the video below.
Story Snapshot
- Penn State fires James Franklin despite owing him $49.7 million in buyout money.
- The team collapsed from a 3-0 start and ranked No. 3 to 3-3 after three devastating losses.
- Franklin’s 4-21 record against top-10 teams ultimately sealed his fate.
- Second-largest coaching buyout in college football history behind Jimbo Fisher’s $76 million.
Stunning Financial Waste in College Athletics
Penn State’s decision to terminate James Franklin represents a staggering example of financial mismanagement that would make any taxpayer cringe. The university will pay Franklin $49.7 million to walk away, making this the second-largest coaching buyout in college football history.
This comes just nine months after Franklin led the program within one game of a national championship appearance, highlighting the absurd short-term thinking plaguing modern athletics.
The Collapse That Cost Franklin His Job
Franklin’s downfall began with a crushing overtime loss to Oregon on September 27, when Penn State held a two-touchdown lead in the fourth quarter. The Nittany Lions entered that game undefeated and ranked No. 3 nationally, positioned for a potential championship run.
Two subsequent losses as heavy favorites against UCLA and Northwestern sealed Franklin’s fate, with the team falling to 3-3 in just fifteen days after the Oregon collapse.
Big Game Struggles Define Franklin’s Legacy
While Franklin achieved considerable success with six 10-win seasons, his inability to win marquee matchups ultimately doomed his tenure. His 4-21 record against top-10 opponents, including a dismal 1-18 mark against ranked Big Ten teams, became impossible to ignore.
Franklin acknowledged these struggles after the Oregon loss, stating the narrative was “factual” and taking ownership of his team’s failures in crucial moments.
Penn State fires coach James Franklin, despite owing him more than $49 million. https://t.co/UfgtEwrjMG
— NBC News (@NBCNews) October 13, 2025
Search for New Leadership Begins
Athletic director Pat Kraft praised Franklin’s contributions, noting his Big Ten Championship and seven New Year’s Six bowl appearances, but emphasized the program’s championship aspirations required new leadership.
Potential candidates reportedly include Indiana’s Curt Cignetti and Nebraska’s Matt Rhule, both current Big Ten coaches. The new hire will face the daunting task of delivering Penn State’s first national championship since 1986 while justifying the massive financial cost of this coaching change.
Thank you for everything, CJF. pic.twitter.com/2ZkNYrEbRp
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) October 12, 2025
