Following the dismissal of James Franklin on Sunday, speculation emerged suggesting that Adidas influenced Penn State’s decision to move on from its head football coach after 12 years.
Last month, the university introduced a new partnership with Adidas, which reportedly is a $300 million deal, replacing its long-term relationship with Nike. On Monday, Adidas refuted claims about a coinciding 10-year apparel contract starting in 2026.
In response to these rumors, Penn State stated, “The report is clearly false. This decision was made solely by Penn State. Adidas will not help finance Coach Franklin’s acquisition,” as shared with Front Office Sports.
Franklin was let go the day after Penn State’s narrow 22-21 defeat to Northwestern, which triggered a $49 million buyout for him. This makes it the second-largest buyout in college football history, trailing only Jimbo Fisher’s $76 million exit from Texas A&M.
Franklin began his tenure with Penn State in November 2021, and his contract carries a stipulation that he find another job in good faith, as noted by Front Office Sports.
Some faculty within the university have expressed concern about the implications of Franklin’s significant buyout. “This is a slap in the face to those who have been told campus costs too much to maintain,” said Heather Page, a librarian at Penn State Fayette. “If they can pay him, then they should reconsider campus expenses,” she added, suggesting that the leadership is not aligned with the university’s messaging on financial priorities.
The Fayette campus is one of several that have faced closures to manage costs, especially in light of decreasing enrollment numbers.
Page pointed out that the recent news underscores that school officials will always find funds for what they prioritize.
Franklin, 53, holds a coaching record of 104-45, making him the second-most successful coach in the history of Penn State football.
Terry Smith, the associate head coach, will assume the interim head coaching position for the remaining season as Patrick Kraft, the vice president of intercollegiate athletics, spearheads the search for a permanent replacement.
This change follows a string of losses for Penn State, including a double-overtime defeat to Oregon State and another loss to UCLA, culminating in the unexpected loss to Northwestern.
Penn State’s next game is against Iowa State this Saturday.
