Summary
Penn State University fired head football coach James Franklin after a mixed season record and a major player injury. The university will pay him around $56.66 million as a buyout. Athletic Director Pat Kraft thanked Franklin for his contributions but stated the need for new leadership to achieve more success.
Key Facts
- Penn State fired head coach James Franklin after a 3-3 season start.
- Franklin had been with Penn State for 12 seasons.
- The university will pay Franklin approximately $56.66 million for his buyout.
- Waiting to fire him until the end of the season would have reduced the buyout to $48 million.
- Athletic Director Pat Kraft acknowledged Franklin's positive impact on the program but stressed the importance of new leadership.
- After Franklin's departure, Terry Smith will serve as the interim head coach.
- Penn State's quarterback, Drew Allar, suffered a season-ending injury.
