They say that the best way to get fired is with guaranteed years on your contract, and that was certainly the case for James Franklin on Sunday.

Penn State announced that they have fired Franklin, who coached the Nittany Lions since 2014. Associate head coach Terry Smith is taking over the reins for Penn State, who have dropped their last three straight games and lost starting quarterback Drew Allar for the season.

Saturday’s loss to Northwestern was the breaking point for Penn State, who fired Franklin despite his $49 million contract buyout.

The Nittany Lions had legitimate aspirations to win a National Championship this season. In the Big Ten, Michigan won a title in 2024 after returning a roster of veterans and current Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Just last year, t

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