Penn State Football: The Pros and Cons of Firing James Franklin
Nothing is off the table for Penn State Football after two consecutive losses dropped the Nittany Lions out of the AP poll.
This is the first time since 2022 that Penn State has not been ranked, and it’s time to panic. Or is it?
The fan base has been calling for the firing of head coach James Franklin, but is that really the best route?
Pros and Cons of Penn State Firing James Franklin
Pros
Penn State and James Franklin Need a Fresh Start
Franklin is a good coach, but there comes a point where the current state of an athletic program just needs a different leader.
It’s not a knock on Franklin. He could seriously level up some other underachieving program. Meanwhile, Penn State was a favorite to make it deep into the playoffs, but now getting to the College Football Playoff requires winning out, and even getting some help.
A New Coach Could Boost Penn State’s Passing Offense
Over the last few years, Penn State has typically had an incredible run game with Saquon Barkley, Miles Sanders, and Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton.
But the passing offense, on the other hand, has been decent at best.
Even with Drew Allar returning for his senior season, the leading receiver on the team only has 208 yards through 5 games. But before the season even started, we saw a worrisome exodus of receivers from Penn State.
James Franklin’s Record in “Big Games”
Let’s all say it together, “James Franklin Can’t Win “big games.”
This has been covered ad nauseam, do we really need to continue to harp on Franklin’s inability to take this program to the next level?
Cons
His Winning Percentage
For as much as has been said about James Franklin’s inability to get over the hump and win the “big games,” you’re more likely to get to those games (and therefore have a chance to win) with a coach who keeps winning each year.
James Franklin Can Bounce Back
While it’s been a few years, sitting outside of the AP Top 25 is not new territory for the Franklin-led Nittany Lions.
It stands to reason that this team can bounce back.
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The Cost of Breaking Contract
If the decision to part ways is not mutual, Penn State would be on the hook for the remaining $48-$56 million of James Franklin’s contract.
In reality, that’s not a speed bump or even a road block; that’s a “bridge is out ahead” scenario. That kind of money would seriously hinder this program.
The 1 Coach Penn State Should NOT Consider As a James Franklin Replacement
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