Penn State coach James Franklin was fired on Sunday, one day after a 22-21 loss to Northwestern, athletic director Pat Kraft announced.

The Nittany Lions were ranked No. 2 in the preseason ball and forecasted to be national title contenders but are just 3-3 after three consecutive setbacks.

"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," Kraft said.

Franklin went 104-45 in 11-plus seasons at Penn State and is tied for second most victories in school history with Rip Engle (1950-65). Last season, the Nittany Lions reached the College Football Playoff semifinals before losing 27-24 to Notre Dame.

Franklin, 53, reportedly is

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