When Penn State fired James Franklin on October 12, 2025, after 12 seasons, it set off one of college football’s most consequential coaching searches in recent memory. After weeks of chaos, they landed their target.

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Fired Coach: James Franklin · Tenure: 12 seasons · Buyout: $49 million · New Coach: Matt Campbell · Search Duration: 54 days (SI.com)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Franklin fired after 12 seasons (ESPN)
  • Franklin’s record: 4-21 against AP Top 10 opponents at Penn State (ESPN SportsCenter)
  • Campbell deal valued at $40 million over 8 years with Iowa State (SI.com)
2What’s unclear
  • Final terms of Campbell’s Penn State contract
  • Exact date Campbell was formally introduced
  • Defensive coordinator appointment status
  • Performance outcomes under Campbell as of April 2026
3Timeline signal
  • Franklin fired October 12, 2025
  • Campbell met Penn State December 4, 2025
  • Reports surfaced December 5, 2025
4What’s next
  • Campbell builds staff and installs system
  • 2026 recruiting cycle outcome under new leadership
  • First full season under Campbell
Category Detail
Previous Coach James Franklin
Tenure 12 seasons (2014–2025)
Wins at Penn State 104 wins
Buyout Owed $49 million
Firing Date October 12, 2025
Interim Coach Terry Smith
New Coach Matt Campbell
Campbell’s Iowa State Deal $40 million / 8 years
Campbell Meeting Date December 4, 2025
Search Duration 54 days

Did Penn State find a new coach?

Yes. After a 54-day search that stretched from mid-October into early December 2025, Penn State hired Matt Campbell away from Iowa State. On3’s Pete Nakos reported on December 5, 2025, that Penn State was working to finalize a deal (SI.com), and ESPN’s Pete Thamel confirmed later that same day that both sides were working toward an agreement, though terms and university approval remained pending.

Top candidates mentioned

Campbell emerged as Penn State’s clear preference after other candidates turned down the opportunity. Kalani Sitake (BYU) and Jeff Brohm both rejected offers, per reports (OutKick). Those rejections came after several coaches received contract extensions from their current schools specifically because of Penn State’s interest—a move that complicated the search considerably.

“Sources: Matt Campbell and Penn State are working toward a deal for him to become the next coach at Penn State.”

— Pete Thamel, ESPN (SI.com)

“The big game failures of James Franklin, which have been persistent throughout his career, combined with the precipitous drop in play… led the leadership of Penn State to come to the conclusion that he could not lead them to where they believe the program should be.”

— Pete Thamel, ESPN SportsCenter (ESPN SportsCenter)

The upshot

Penn State landed its top target, but only after weeks of rejection and escalation. That Campbell was their third choice—and that the search was the first top-tier Power 4 job to open but the last to fill—shows how chaotic this process was.

Which coach got fired from Penn State?

James Franklin. Penn State dismissed him on October 12, 2025, ending a 12-season tenure that produced 104 wins (ESPN). The decision came after three straight losses to start the season, including upsets to UCLA and Northwestern as heavy favorites. Penn State had been preseason No. 2, a title that evaporated quickly after those back-to-back defeats.

Reasons cited

Franklin won nearly 70% of his games at Penn State, but his record against elite competition told a different story. His 4-21 mark against AP Top 10 opponents ranks tied for third-worst by any coach at a single program (ESPN SportsCenter). The losses that triggered his firing included back-to-back games in which Penn State was favored by 20-plus points—a first in the FBS era since the split. Penn State leadership reportedly concluded he could not lead the program to the national championship contention they expected.

How much did Penn State have to pay to fire their coach?

Penn State owed James Franklin $49 million upon his firing—making it the second-largest buyout in college football history, behind only the $76 million owed to Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M (ESPN). The figure was confirmed by multiple outlets including Pro Football Network (Pro Football Network).

Buyout financials

Franklin had been in the final years of a lucrative extension, and his contract guaranteed the full buyout regardless of firing circumstances. That financial weight made the decision more significant—Penn State wasn’t simply swapping coaches; they were committing roughly $50 million plus whatever Campbell’s new deal would cost.

Contract implications

Franklin’s buyout was structured as a lump-sum payment triggered by termination without cause. The timing—mid-season—added urgency but didn’t reduce the obligation. Franklin quickly found his next job at Virginia Tech before Penn State even introduced Campbell, which provided some public relations relief for the program.

Why this matters

The $49 million figure represents Penn State’s full cost for the coaching change—not just a financial footnote. It reflects the price of patience with Franklin and underscores the program’s willingness to spend big to pursue national championship contention.

Who is coaching Penn State today?

Matt Campbell. Penn State introduced him alongside athletic director Pat Kraft in the Beaver Stadium media room (ESPN), completing a search that had stretched 54 days since Franklin’s October firing. Terry Smith had served as interim coach during the transition period.

Staff updates

Campbell brings his own staff from Iowa State, but details on specific hires—including the critical defensive coordinator position—remain unclear as of early 2026. The defensive coordinator search was reportedly ongoing, representing one of the unsettled pieces as Campbell took over.

Bottom line: Penn State fired a coach who couldn’t win the biggest games, spent $49 million to do it, then landed Matt Campbell after rejecting two others. For the program’s boosters, the message is clear: expect a national title run, or else. For Iowa State fans, the sting of losing their best coach is real—and justified.

Inside the Penn State college football coaching search

The search itself became a story. Penn State was the first top-tier Power 4 program to have its job open, yet they were the last to fill it among 15 coaching changes that cycle (ESPN). Athletic director Pat Kraft faced criticism for the process’s handling, even as observers credited him for the ultimate decision to move on from Franklin.

Timeline of events

  • October 12, 2025: Penn State fires James Franklin after 12 seasons. Terry Smith named interim coach.
  • December 4, 2025: Penn State meets Matt Campbell in Iowa.
  • December 5, 2025: Pete Nakos (On3) reports deal close; Pete Thamel (ESPN) confirms talks.
  • Early December 2025: Penn State introduces Campbell with AD Pat Kraft.

Winners and losers

The winners: Penn State, if Campbell delivers. The program now has a coach with a 107-70 overall record and 72-55 mark at Iowa State—a program that competes in the same Big 12 landscape. For the Nittany Lions’ fanbase, landing Campbell after other rejections counts as a clear victory.

The losers: Iowa State, which just saw their best coach depart for a conference rival’s Big Ten upgrade. Kalani Sitake and Jeff Brohm, who rejected Penn State, may wonder what might have been—especially if they see Campbell succeed at Penn State. And Franklin himself, despite his new Virginia Tech job, leaves having never reached the mountaintop at Penn State.

The catch

Campbell’s Iowa State deal was $40 million over 8 years ($5 million annually). Reports later suggested his Penn State contract could reach $78 million—nearly double what Iowa State committed. Whether that premium reflects Campbell’s true value or Penn State’s desperation after a chaotic search remains to be seen.

What we know vs. what’s still unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Franklin fired October 12, 2025, after 12 seasons
  • Franklin owed $49 million buyout
  • Franklin went 4-21 against AP Top 10 opponents
  • Search lasted 54 days
  • Campbell met Penn State December 4, 2025
  • Campbell introduced with AD Pat Kraft
  • Campbell went 72-55 at Iowa State

Still unclear

  • Final terms of Campbell’s Penn State deal
  • Exact date of formal introduction
  • Defensive coordinator appointment
  • Campbell’s first season results
  • How Franklin rebuilds at Virginia Tech

Related reading: interview questions · NBA mock draft

After firing James Franklin ($49M buyout), Penn State’s 54-day coaching search, detailed in the coverage of Campbell’s hire, led to Matt Campbell.

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Frequently asked questions

What triggered James Franklin’s firing at Penn State?

Franklin was fired October 12, 2025, after three straight losses to open the season, including upsets to UCLA and Northwestern as heavy favorites. His 4-21 record against AP Top 10 opponents reflected a broader pattern of failing against elite competition.

Who is Matt Campbell and what did he achieve at Iowa State?

Matt Campbell went 72-55 at Iowa State with an overall head coaching record of 107-70. He transformed the Cyclones into consistent Big 12 contenders despite limited resources compared to traditional powers.

How long did the Penn State coaching search last?

The search lasted 54 days according to one report, with an alternative account citing 58 days. It began October 12, 2025, and concluded with Campbell’s hiring in early December 2025.

What were the key rejections Penn State faced?

Kalani Sitake (BYU) and Jeff Brohm both turned down Penn State’s offers before the program pivoted to Campbell. Multiple coaches received contract extensions from their current schools due to Penn State’s interest.

How does Franklin’s buyout compare historically?

Franklin’s $49 million buyout was the second-largest in college football history, behind only the $76 million owed to Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M.

What’s the status of Penn State’s defensive coordinator search?

Reports indicated the defensive coordinator position remained open as Campbell took over, representing one of the unresolved staffing questions heading into his first full offseason.

Where does James Franklin coach now?

Franklin found his next head coaching position at Virginia Tech, landing there before Penn State formally introduced Campbell.

What is the outlook for Penn State under Matt Campbell?

Campbell faces high expectations to return Penn State to national championship contention. His Iowa State track record suggests he’s capable of building consistent winners, but Big Ten competition is fiercer than the Big 12.

What the Penn State coaching change means going forward

Penn State paid $49 million to fire Franklin and landed Campbell after rejecting two other candidates in a process that dragged on longer than any other Power 4 hire. The financial commitment is historic, the expectations are immediate, and the margin for error is thin. For the Nittany Lions’ fanbase, the message from leadership is unambiguous: anything short of national championship contention is unacceptable. Whether Campbell can deliver on that promise will define the next era of Penn State football.