Penn State athletic director Pat Kraft opened up on Monday about the school’s “extremely difficult” decision to fire head football coach James Franklin on Sunday, a day after a brutal home loss to Northwestern that marked the team’s third straight defeat.

“Football is our backbone. We’ve invested at the highest level. With that comes high expectations,” Kraft said. “Ultimately, I believe a new leader can help us win a national championship, and now is the right time for this change.”

Kraft seemed to indicate Franklin, owed more than $49 million, wasn’t making the most at what he had at his disposal as the AD explained what he’s looking for in Franklin’s replacement.

“Our next coach needs to be able to maximize elite-level resources, attack the transfer portal and develop at the highes

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