Part 2/13:
The most unexpected development Sunday morning was the firing of James Franklin at Penn State. Despite a record of notable success—posting 11-2, 10-3, and 13-3 seasons over the last three-plus years—Franklin's tenure ended with a hefty $50+ million guaranteed buyout. This decision shocked many, considering Franklin’s impressive win totals and high-level recruiting.
For context, Franklin’s recent performance was exceptional. Since 2020, he’s been among the top coaches in wins, with only a handful of elite coaches surpassing him in total victories:
Kirby Smart: 44 wins
Ryan Day: 41 wins
Dan Lanning: 40 wins
Kalen DeBoer: 39 wins
James Franklin: 37 wins