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Demand Grows for James Franklin to Replace $51 Million SEC Head Coach
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- Demand Grows for James Franklin to Replace $51 Million SEC Head Coach
James Franklin's tenure with the Penn State Nittany Lions came to a close after the team started the 2025 season 3-3. He was fired after consecutive losses to the Oregon Ducks, UCLA Bruins and Northwestern Wildcats.
Since taking over in 2014, Franklin had a 104-45 record with Penn State, going 6-6 in bowl/College Football Playoff games. However, his biggest downfall was a 4-21 record against AP top 10 teams.
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Less than a week after getting fired, he made an appearance on ESPN's "College GameDay." Franklin discussed how he got fired, player reactions, the impact it has had on his family and the hype surrounding Penn State going into the season.
Many fans were impressed by his composure, and it led to viewers calling for him to replace Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier.
Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin.© Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images
"Florida gators, go hire James Franklin expeditiously," said one comment .
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"I would not be surprised if Florida went & Got James Franklin for head coach , after the things he did in 12 years," said another .
"Anybody think James Franklin would be a winner at Florida ?" a third added .
A fourth stated , "Just watched James Franklin's interview.. WOW. Super impressed, especially due to the circumstances. Florida needs to go snag him."
"James Franklin is charismatic. I can see why any kid would want to play for him. I think he will do well wherever he ends up. Still believe he would do well at Florida," a fifth continued .
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"Florida Gator coach James Franklin," said another .
After a 2-4 start, Napier is firmly on the hot seat, and according to USA Today's Matt Hayes, "could be fired as soon as this weekend." Per Dan Rorabaugh of The Palm Beach Post, Napier's buyout would be $21.2 million, as part of his seven-year, $51.8 million contract.
During his interview, Franklin made it clear he still wants to coach, saying , "We're just going to go win the national championship somewhere else now."
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He has had success coaching within the SEC, spending three years (2011 to 2013) as the Vanderbilt Commodores' head coach. In that time, he went 24-15 and 2-1 in bowl games.
Related: Ohio State Announces Ryan Day Development Before Wisconsin Game
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
