The Penn State Nittany Lions made the difficult decision to part with their long-time head coach, James Franklin, over the weekend. They fired Franklin after a three-game losing streak that likely ended the team’s hopes of qualifying for the College Football Playoff. This came less than a year after the team reached the semifinals of the College Football Playoff.
BREAKING: Penn State has fired James Franklin, ESPN reports❌https://t.co/BcZ0kda3cj pic.twitter.com/I3ZyA8klql
— On3 (@On3sports) October 12, 2025
Franklin had been the Nittany Lions’ head coach since the 2014 season. In that time, he led them to a 104-45 record, winning double-digit games in six of the 11 full seasons he coached. However, the team’s loss to Northwestern on Saturday was the final straw, and the team made the tough decision to fire Franklin.
While James Franklin is likely not happy about being fired, he does not need to worry about money. His contract included a huge buyout clause. As a result, he will be paid $48.6 million by the Nittany Lions over the next six seasons. This is the second biggest contract buyout in the history of college football. It is only behind Jimbo Fisher, who received a $77 million buyout from Texas A&M.
While Franklin’s buyout is big, there are coaches in college football who would receive bigger buyouts if they were fired.
How Does James Franklin’s Contract Buyout Compare to Other Top Coaches?
James Franklin will not be hurt for money over the next few seasons as he receives his contract buyout. However, there are other coaches who would receive an even bigger buyout if they were fired. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart has the biggest buyout in the league by a wide margin at $105.1 million. Next up is Ohio State head coach Ryan Day at $70.9 million and Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer at $60.8 million.
Rounding out the top five possible buyouts in college football are Texas’s Steve Sarkisian and Clemson’s Dabo Swinney. They would receive $60.3 million and $60 million buyouts, respectively.
One coach who could be on the hot seat this season is Florida’s Billy Napier. The team is off to a 2-4 start and could decide to part ways with its head coach. If that decision is made, Napier will receive a nearly $21 million buyout.
Read More:
Is James Franklin Fired? A Look at Penn State’s HC’s Status With the Program
Jason Whitlock Drops Blunt Take On James Franklin’s Sudden Firing From Penn State
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