Penn State has fired head football coach James Franklin following a disappointing 3-3 start to the 2025 season. Franklin leaves State College with an overall record of 104-45 during his 11-year tenure with the Nittany Lions.

Associate head coach and cornerbacks coach Terry Smith has been named the interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

Franklin’s departure marks the end of an era for Penn State football, as he led the program to multiple New Year’s Six bowl appearances and consistent Top-25 finishes. The Nittany Lions will now look to regroup under Smith as they navigate the rest of their Big Ten schedule.