Amid Penn State’s three-game losing streak, the team reportedly could be mulling a major change.
Pete Nakos of On3.com reported that “legitimate conversations are being held” about the future of Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin, who has a $48 million buyout in his contract.
Penn State fell to 3-3 this season with a surprising 22-21 loss to Northwestern on Saturday, which followed losses against No. 3 Oregon and previously winless UCLA. To make matters worse, Franklin announced after Saturday’s game that senior quarterback Drew Allar will miss the remainder of the year after suffering a leg injury, ending his college career.
Franklin has long been criticized for struggling to win big games, but losing games the Nittany Lions are expected to win has created questions about his stability as the team’s head coach.
“With the losses to UCLA and Northwestern, Penn State has yet to beat a Power Four team this season,” Nakos explained. “With a $48 million buyout on Dec. 1, sources have told On3 that there are legitimate conversations being held about Franklin’s future with the Nittany Lions. Franklin could also leave Penn State and look for a new job.”
Franklin has coached Penn State since 2014, and he hasn’t lost more than three games in a season since 2021. Any further struggles could provide even more fuel for critics calling for him to be removed from his position.
The Nittany Lions will try to get back on track when they visit Iowa (4-2) next Saturday.
