Penn State Fires Head Coach James Franklin
James Franklin has been let go as head coach of Penn State, leaving behind a complicated legacy. He took the job in 2014 and brought the program out of a dark time in its history.
Despite his achievements, Franklin struggled to compete against elite college football programs. His first and last losses with Penn State were against the same team. The program announced his departure after a 22-21 loss to Northwestern at Beaver Stadium on Saturday.
- Record: 104-45
- 2016 Big Ten title
- College Football Playoff appearance
Associate head coach Terry Smith will assume interim coaching duties. Franklin's 104 wins are tied for second-most in school history.
Fittingly, the team to which James Franklin suffered his first loss with Penn State was also his last.
Author's summary: Franklin leaves Penn State with mixed results.