The sting of Penn State's disastrous 27-11 loss to UCLA on Saturday has reignited furious calls from fans to oust head coach James Franklin. It was the Nittany Lions' second straight humiliating defeat, following a 42-35 setback against Oregon the week before. Indeed, with the team now slipping to 4-2, frustration boils over in Happy Valley, where supporters chant "Fire Franklin" during games and flood social media with demands for change.
However, any move to part ways with Franklin won't come cheap. His contract, extended in 2021 to run through 2031, includes a hefty buyout clause that protects him financially. If Penn State fires him without cause before the end of the 2025 season, the university would owe him roughly $26 million—dropping to about $20 million by mid-2026 and continuing to decrease annually thereafter. Moreover, Franklin's base salary sits at $6.2 million for this year, with potential bonuses pushing it higher if the team performs in big spots, which, frankly, it hasn't lately.
Critics point to Franklin's 0-15 record against top-10 teams over the past decade as evidence of his shortcomings in high-stakes matchups. Yet, the coach remains defiant, emphasizing the program's stability and recent playoff appearances. Penn State athletic director Patrick Kraft has backed him publicly, noting the long-term investment in Franklin's vision. Still, with the Big Ten title hopes fading and another tough slate ahead—including Ohio State and Michigan—the pressure mounts.
Indeed, the board of trustees approved that lucrative deal four years ago amid success, but today's realities test its wisdom. Firing him now would strain the athletic budget significantly, especially with NIL demands rising across college football. However, as losses pile up, one wonders if financial hurdles will ultimately shield mediocrity or force a reckoning.
In the end, Penn State's crossroads invites broader questions about loyalty versus results in the cutthroat world of coaching.