James Franklin buyout cost: How much Penn State owes after firing head coach
After the Penn State Nittany Lions suffered their third consecutive loss in the 2025 season before the middle of October even arrived, the program fired head coach James Franklin. The shocking move put an end to the team’s lofty National Championship hopes, which naturally emerged in the preseason after bringing an impressive array of veterans back. […]
After the Penn State Nittany Lions suffered their third consecutive loss in the 2025 season before the middle of October even arrived, the program fired head coach James Franklin. The shocking move put an end to the team’s lofty National Championship hopes, which naturally emerged in the preseason after bringing an impressive array of veterans back. But it failed to click in 2025, and Franklin’s continued issues against ranked opponents likely played a role in the change.
No one expected this firing to happen now. Franklin’s contract buyout during the 2025 season is a staggering $48 million. He’s now a free agent, and Penn State will pay that amount, plus what they’ve already paid this season.
Franklin was in the midst of a 10-year deal that gave him a base salary of $8.5 million.
James Franklin contract buyout details
Franklin’s buyout is a massive $48 million in 2025, but swells to more than $50 million when considering what was left on his deal this season. Waiting until the end of the season would’ve dropped that total to $48 million. It pales in comparison to Jimbo Fisher’s Texas A&M buyout of $76 million.
Franklin became Penn State’s head football coach in January 2014, following a 24-15 record at Vanderbilt. He took over a program under NCAA sanctions from the Jerry Sandusky scandal, facing roster limits and bowl bans. His first season yielded a 7-5 record and a TaxSlayer Bowl appearance.
In 2016, Franklin’s team started 2-2 but won eight consecutive games, securing the Big Ten East and defeating Wisconsin 38-31 for the conference title. That year, Penn State finished 11-2, ranked No. 2, and won the Rose Bowl against USC (52-49). Franklin was named Big Ten Coach of the Year. Since then, he has led the Nittany Lions to nine bowl-eligible seasons, with an 8-6 bowl record, including wins in the Cotton (2019), Fiesta (2022), and Peach (2023) bowls.
Franklin’s overall record at Penn State is 104-45 (.698), with a 64-36 Big Ten mark. He has achieved four top-10 finishes. His contract, extended in 2021 to 2031 for $75 million, reflected the university’s commitment. Off the field, Franklin has supported academic progress and community initiatives like THON.
However, his tenure has faced scrutiny. Franklin’s record against top-25 teams is 13-25, including 1-10 against Ohio State. The 2024 season saw Penn State reach the College Football Playoff semifinals, but 2025 failed even to reach that level of success.
Penn State Nittany Lions News
There’s reportedly an early name to watch to replace James Franklin as the head coach at Penn State
The Penn State Lions are looking for a new head coach after firing James Franklin on Sunday. Franklin was fired following Penn State’s loss to Northwestern.
