Sacked Coach James Franklin Lists Former Nashville Residence for $3.3M
When I first heard that Penn State had fired James Franklin, I couldn’t help but think about just how sudden it all felt. After 11 years leading the Nittany Lions, Franklin’s run came to an unexpected halt on October 12, 2025. The team had just suffered its third straight loss, dropping games to Northwestern and UCLA—teams most fans expected Penn State to handle easily.
As someone who follows college football closely, I can tell you that losing streaks like this can quickly change a coach’s fate, no matter how storied their career. Franklin, 53, had been a constant presence on the sidelines, bringing energy, charisma, and big-game victories. Now, associate head coach Terry Smith will step in as the interim head coach for the rest of the season, a role that comes with its own pressures and expectations.
What struck me most was the statement from Penn State’s athletic director, Pat Kraft: “We hold our athletics programs to the highest of standards, and we believe this is the right moment for new leadership at the helm of our football program to advance us toward Big Ten and national championships.” It’s a reminder that in college football, results are everything, and legacy only goes so far when the scoreboard isn’t in your favor…