Penn State Initiates Coaching Search After James Franklin's Departure, Cignet...

STATE COLLEGE, PA – Penn State University has officially parted ways with head football coach James Franklin, effective Sunday, October 12, 2025, following a disappointing 3-3 start to the season that included three consecutive losses. The decision, announced by Athletic Director Pat Kraft, comes after the Nittany Lions, who began the year ranked No. 2 nationally, saw their championship aspirations collapse by early October. Franklin's tenure, which spanned over 11 seasons, concluded with a 104-45 record, but persistent struggles against top-tier opponents ultimately led to the change in leadership.

The firing was prompted by a disastrous two-week stretch, culminating in a 22-21 home loss to Northwestern, a team Penn State was heavily favored to defeat. This followed an overtime defeat to Oregon and a stunning road loss to previously winless UCLA.

Athletic Director Kraft stated that while the university is "enormously grateful" for Franklin's role in rebuilding the program, the institution holds its athletic programs to the "highest of standards" and believes new leadership is necessary to pursue Big Ten and national championships. Terry Smith has been named interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

With the coaching vacancy now open, two prominent names have quickly risen to the forefront of Penn State's search: Curt Cignetti of Indiana and Matt Rhule of Nebraska. Both coaches are recognized for their ability to revitalize programs and bring a winning culture, making them prime candidates to take the helm in State College. The New York Times reported on October 12, 2025, that Cignetti and Rhule are expected to be top targets for the Nittany Lions.

Curt Cignetti, currently leading the Indiana Hoosiers, has engineered a remarkable turnaround, guiding the team to an 11-2 season in 2024, marking their first double-digit win season and College Football Playoff appearance. His impressive 17-2 record since arriving in Bloomington prior to the 2024 season, coupled with his Pennsylvania roots, positions him as a compelling option.

Meanwhile, Matt Rhule, the head coach at Nebraska, boasts a strong track record of rebuilding programs at Temple and Baylor, and has significant ties to Penn State as a former player and volunteer assistant.

• **Franklin's Tenure and Downfall:** James Franklin's 11-plus year tenure at Penn State saw him achieve a 104-45 overall record, including a Big Ten Championship and a College Football Playoff appearance last year. However, his record against AP top-10 teams stood at a concerning 4-21, and 1-18 against top-10 Big Ten opponents, a statistic that fueled fan frustration and ultimately contributed to his dismissal.
• **The Cost of Change:** Franklin's departure triggers a substantial buyout clause from his £68 million contract, signed in 2021. Estimates for the buyout range between $49 million and $56.6 million, making it one of the largest in college football history. This significant financial commitment underscores the university's determination to pursue a new direction despite the cost.
• **Curt Cignetti's Meteoric Rise:** Curt Cignetti, 64, has become one of college football's most sought-after coaches due to his rapid success at Indiana. In his first season (2024), he led the Hoosiers to an 11-2 record and their first-ever College Football Playoff berth, earning him the 2024 Home Depot National Coach of the Year award. His overall career record is 136-37 across multiple levels of college football.
• **Matt Rhule's Program-Building Expertise:** Matt Rhule, currently in his third season at Nebraska, is renowned for his ability to turn struggling programs into contenders. He previously rebuilt Temple, leading them to a 10-win season, and transformed Baylor from a 1-11 team to an 11-3 squad in just three years. His deep ties to Penn State, as a former player and close associate of Athletic Director Pat Kraft, make him a natural fit for the Nittany Lions.
• **Penn State's Athletic Director's Vision:** Athletic Director Pat Kraft, who previously worked with Rhule at Temple, is expected to lead an aggressive search for a coach who can elevate Penn State to consistent national championship contention. Kraft's statement emphasized the program's high standards and the need for leadership capable of securing Big Ten and national titles, indicating a clear mandate for the next hire.
• **Impact of Quarterback Development:** A significant factor in Franklin's downfall was the perceived failure to develop five-star quarterback Drew Allar, whose season-ending injury coincided with the team's collapse. The next head coach will face immediate pressure to maximize the talent on the roster, particularly at the quarterback position, to meet the high expectations of the Penn State fanbase.
• **Other Potential Candidates:** Beyond Cignetti and Rhule, other coaches mentioned as potential candidates include Lane Kiffin (Ole Miss), Brian Kelly (LSU), Matt Campbell (Iowa State), and Manny Diaz (Duke). The search is expected to be wide-ranging, with Penn State aiming to attract an elite candidate to capitalize on its rich tradition and significant program investments.
• **Financial Implications and Stadium Renovation:** The substantial buyout for Franklin comes at a time when the athletic department has committed to a $700 million renovation of Beaver Stadium, expected to be completed by 2027. This financial backdrop highlights the university's dual commitment to both infrastructure improvements and securing top-tier coaching talent.