James Franklin's tenure with the Penn State Nittany Lions came to a close after the team started the 2025 season 3-3. He was fired after consecutive losses to the Oregon Ducks, UCLA Bruins and Northwestern Wildcats.

On Saturday, former Penn State head coach James Franklin appeared on ESPN’s College GameDay and discussed being fired. After Penn State’s 25-24 loss to Iowa later that day, Penn State interim coach Terry Smith revealed whether he and the team’s players watched Franklin’s interview.

James Franklin made his first comments about his Penn State firing that materialized earlier this week, appearing on a “College GameDay” segment.

James Franklin’s $49-plus million buyout could soon look like chump change. Mike Norvell’s rump now roasts on the hot seat after a fourth consecutive loss, and his buyout would check in at more than $58 million at season’s end.

Oregon coach Dan Lanning addressed James Franklin's Penn State exit and the harsh truths about life as a major college football coach.