Penn State Fires Head Coach James Franklin

Penn State has reportedly let go of head football coach James Franklin following a tough loss to Northwestern. This decision came on Sunday, after the Nittany Lions suffered a disappointing come-from-behind defeat. It was the team’s third straight loss and the second shocking setback in a row, especially after losing to UCLA just last weekend.

The university now faces a hefty financial obligation to Franklin; they owe him over $49 million. In the meantime, assistant coach Terry Smith steps in as the interim head coach.

Franklin, who took the reins at Penn State before the 2014 season after three years at Vanderbilt, had led the team to consecutive nine-win seasons. In his 12 years at the university, he brought the Nittany Lions to the College Football Playoff semifinals last season, ending with a record of 13-3.

He leaves behind a coaching record of 104-45 at Penn State.

This coaching change comes on the heels of news that quarterback Drew Allard, previously seen as an NFL prospect, will miss the rest of the season due to a leg injury sustained during the narrow loss to Northwestern.

Penn State now faces a daunting Big Ten schedule ahead, starting with a game against the Iowa Hawkeyes. They will also play No. 1 Ohio State on November 1 and No. 7 Indiana State on November 8. If they lose four games or more, their hopes of making this year’s College Football Playoff will likely vanish.