Penn State University made shocking headlines following the firing of head football coach James Franklin. This decision came after growing media coverage and backlash against his coaching methods. Franklin had been with the Nittany Lions since 2014, and became a very well known figure in college football during his prime.
In the last few years, Franklin has helped bring the Nittany Lions back into the national spotlight with quite a few Big Ten Titles and strong seasons. But, recently, concerns have begun to rise about the team’s culture and Franklin’s coaching style. According to Sports Illustrated, Pat Kraft, head of athletic directing at Penn State has stated that “I just felt there was no other course”. For Penn State, Franklin leaving marks the end of an era and the start of a new chapter. Penn State claims it wants to refocus on building a healthy environment for their student-athletes both on and off the field. His firing also reflects a larger shift in college sports. They are not only focused on the winning of games but also about maintaining a positive culture and accurately representing the school’s values.
As reported by Associated News, “We hold our athletics programs to the highest of standards, and we believe this is the right moment for new leadership at the helm of our football program to advance us toward Big Ten and national championships,” Kraft said. This led to the pressure and eyes on the university to make a change.
As Penn State starts to search for its next coach, fans and players are left wondering about what’s next for the program. Franklin’s name and legacy will most definitely be remembered for both his achievements and controversy that in the end led to his exit.