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Penn State Fires Football Coach James Franklin
Franklin wanted to leave but didn't want to spite his former team, citing competitive disadvantage in NIL recruiting.
Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:45am
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The dismissal of longtime Penn State football coach James Franklin reflects the growing influence of lucrative NIL deals in the competitive landscape of college sports.State College TodayPenn State University has fired head football coach James Franklin after 8 seasons with the program. Franklin was reportedly interested in leaving the school, but ultimately decided against taking a job at another university, citing the competitive disadvantage his former team would face in the lucrative NIL (name, image, and likeness) recruiting market.
Why it matters
Franklin's departure marks a major shakeup for the Penn State football program, which has seen significant success under his leadership. The NIL market has become a crucial factor in recruiting top talent, and Franklin felt it would be unfair to leave his former team at a disadvantage compared to competitors who have been 'all-in' on NIL deals.
The details
Penn State dismissed Franklin after the team's 6-6 season in 2025, despite his overall record of 67-32 and three Big Ten Championship game appearances. Franklin was reportedly interested in taking a job at another university, but ultimately decided against it, stating that 'we were still competing against schools that had been all-in every year of the NIL market'.
- Penn State fired James Franklin on December 1, 2025.
- Franklin had been the head coach at Penn State since 2014.
The players
James Franklin
The former head football coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions, who was fired after 8 seasons with the program.
Penn State University
The public research university located in State College, Pennsylvania, which fields the Nittany Lions football team.
What they’re saying
“We were still competing against schools that had been all-in every year of the NIL market,”
— James Franklin, Former Head Coach
What’s next
Penn State will begin a nationwide search for a new head football coach to lead the program going forward.
The takeaway
The firing of James Franklin highlights the growing importance of the NIL market in college football recruiting and the challenges facing programs that may be at a competitive disadvantage. Penn State will need to find a new coach who can navigate this landscape and restore the team to championship contention.
