Coaches Weigh in on James Franklin's Firing from Penn State

Strategic Insights -

Coaches across the country, including James Franklin's former peers and friends, have shared their reactions to his firing from Penn State. Matt Rhule, the head coach at Nebraska, expressed his sadness and admiration for Franklin, while Manny Diaz, Penn State's former defensive coordinator, seemed noncommittal about the opportunity to take over as head coach. Other coaches, including Dabo Swinney of Clemson and Steve Sarkisian of Texas, weighed in on the difficulties of coaching in the high-pressure world of college football, where programs can quickly fall from favor.

Key Takeaways:

  • Matt Rhule, head coach at Nebraska, is a fan of Penn State and expressed sadness over Franklin's departure, praising his stewardship of the program.
  • Rhule, who played for Penn State as a linebacker, had kind words for Franklin, stating that he "doesn't understand why in our country now coaches are villains."
  • Manny Diaz, Penn State's former defensive coordinator, was noncommittal about the opportunity to take over as head coach, saying that coaches go through "three phases" in their careers and that "it can change in three weeks."
  • Dabo Swinney, Clemson's head coach, was critical of the perception that Franklin's firing was solely motivated by the buyout, stating that "Coach Franklin didn't get into coaching to make money – I promise you."
  • Steve Sarkisian, Texas's head coach, acknowledged the quick fall from favor of programs like Penn State and Texas, which began the season as the preseason No. 3 team.
  • Pat Narduzzi, Pitt's head coach, expressed his respect for Franklin, stating that he's a "great coach" and that "it's the business we're in."

Statistics:

  • Penn State, under Franklin's leadership, went 12 years without a losing record.
  • The Nittany Lions were in danger of facing NCAA sanctions under Bill O'Brien's tenure, but Franklin stabilized the program.
  • Diaz's Duke team has a 4-2 record in his second year as head coach.
  • The Clemson team, which is comparable to Penn State in terms of national championship hopes, has a 3-3 record in 2025.
  • The Texas Longhorns, which began the season as the preseason No. 3 team, are now unranked alongside the Nittany Lions.

Sources:

  • 10/11 News: quote from Matt Rhule
  • Blue Devil Nation: quote from Manny Diaz
  • The State: quote from Dabo Swinney
  • Statesman: quote from Steve Sarkisian
  • 937thefan: quote from Pat Narduzzi