Penn state fires coach

[Kirby Jackson]

I was hoping that they let it play out. He was on pace to lead, “the most underachieving season in the history of football.” 

[GaryPinC]

2 hours ago, JimBob2232 said:

 

Man - that was almost 20 years ago with Vandy.  Never once saw that side of him at PSU.

I can't say what actually happened behind the scenes at PSU, but he was still telling that story when he first started there.

[Ridgewaycynic2013]

1 minute ago, Kirby Jackson said:

I was hoping that they let it play out. He was on pace to lead, “the most underachieving season in the history of football.” 

"In other news today, plans were announced that Terry Pegula will underwrite a major sponsorship of PSU football, and name Kevyn Adams as athletic director for the university."

🤔🤨

(And in keeping with a few miscues by readers in other threads, that is totally, I say, TOTALLY sarcastic fiction.)

[Mark Vader]

16 hours ago, sullim4 said:

 

100% agree - he's likely going to try to get something else.  That said... I think his smartest move would be to get into broadcasting and move away from coaching.  I don't see him getting a better gig.  The big time programs aren't going to hire him with his record in big games.

Perfect!

 

They could team him up with Booger McFarland in the studio. Two guys who know nothing about football.

[DrDawkinstein]

17 hours ago, That's No Moon said:

Going from #2 in the country with Championship aspirations to a place where it is very conceivable that they don't make a bowl game at all is a sure way to get fired $50M buyout or not.

 

Franklin is perfect for somewhere like Vanderbilt or North Carolina where 7 or 8 win seasons are success.  

 

 

As has been said a lot the past week, Sean McDermott is the James Franklin of the NFL.

 

 

I'll see myself out now.

15 hours ago, GaryPinC said:

Only one of his problems.  He is certainly one of the most interesting coaching personalities I've  ever seen IMO.  He's part sincere, part cheeseball, part family guy, part snake oil salesman.

 

  He created a welcoming environment for the players and their families but he also liked to brag when he got there that part of hiring assistant coaches was to make sure their wives were hot enough.

He figured if they could "recruit" and marry above their looks that they would do well with recruiting players too.

 

He always tightened his sphincter too much in big games over the years.  Sadly, I think the previous AD, Sandy Barbour, bought into his schtick too much and gave him the massive contract just before she retired a year later.  I thought it would be another year or two before they let him go so count me pleasantly surprised. 

 

 

Maybe he did hire good recruiting coaches.

 

The problem is, there is no recruiting anymore. You get players as good as your boosters are willing to pay in NIL money. That's it.

[GaryPinC]

16 hours ago, DrDawkinstein said:

 

As has been said a lot the past week, Sean McDermott is the James Franklin of the NFL.

 

 

I'll see myself out now.

 

Maybe he did hire good recruiting coaches.

 

The problem is, there is no recruiting anymore. You get players as good as your boosters are willing to pay in NIL money. That's it.

Ok, then why are so many recruits decommitting PSU if it's only about NIL money?

[Sweats]

On 10/12/2025 at 5:01 PM, JimBob2232 said:

yeah.  50M is confirmed....but my understanding is that it is offset if he takes another job....which he probably will.

 

 

 

 

I wouldn't be so sure about that.........Franklin's got a massive ego, and he wouldn't settle for a program that he felt was beneath him and rest assured, any top programs have seen what he brings to the table and wouldn't go near him.

[SectionC3]

Now there's a place for Pegula to put McDermott if Pegula wants to can him at the end of the year and save a little scratch. 

[ArdmoreRyno]

Franklin was not any better than Mike Gundy as a head coach. Gundy, IMO, was a BETTER coach. 

 

 

[Low Positive]

7 hours ago, SectionC3 said:

Now there's a place for Pegula to put McDermott if Pegula wants to can him at the end of the year and save a little scratch. 

I know you're joking, but McDermott would have another NFL job about 5 minutes after he cleaned out his OBD office. The Raiders, Jets, Dolphins, Browns, and Panthers would be ringing non-stop, begging him to take the job. 

[JimBob2232]

4 hours ago, Low Positive said:

I know you're joking, but McDermott would have another NFL job about 5 minutes after he cleaned out his OBD office. The Raiders, Jets, Dolphins, Browns, and Panthers would be ringing non-stop, begging him to take the job. 

Yup.  Same with Franklin.  Some dont want to admit that.  But he will be coveted.  Maybe they can switch jobs

[GaryPinC]

12 hours ago, JimBob2232 said:

Yup.  Same with Franklin.  Some dont want to admit that.  But he will be coveted.  Maybe they can switch jobs

I'm hoping him and Cignetti swap schools!😄

[jamiezzz]

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/article/joe-brady-projected-leave-buffalo-153945410.html

[US Egg]

4 hours ago, jamiezzz said:

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/article/joe-brady-projected-leave-buffalo-153945410.html

He's not in the running according to oddsmakers: 

https://www.si.com/college/nebraska/football/most-oddsmakers-say-matt-rhule-is-favorite-to-become-next-penn-state-coach 

[JimBob2232]

11 hours ago, GaryPinC said:

I'm hoping him and Cignetti swap schools!😄

nope.

[JimBob2232]

Yeah -  Penn State fans are pretty much convinced it's going to be Matt Rhule.  It's just too logical.  PSU Alum.  Worked with AD when they were both at Temple and have a great relationship.  Would finally be able to connect the old guard to the new era.  Probably helps a lot with donors.  Most Penn Staters dont appear to love it though- but it sure does feel inevitable.  Even when asked about it, Rhule didn't  do the normal coach speak - he just said "I love Penn State..." I think the only way it DOESNT happen is if Nebraska doesn't finish strong.   That Nebraska game in State College at the end of November should be interesting.  

 

Other popular name is Eli Drinkwitz of Missouri (and the added craziness that he could be Beau Pribula BACK to Happy Valley).   Other than that...some speculation of making a run at Marcus Freeman or Kalen Deboer - though those both seem unlikely.  And then there is always Urban Meyer...who would probably jump at the opportunity - but time has probably passed him by.  The Oregon OC...Joe Brady...Manny Diaz...some other often tossed out names...but I gotta think its Rhule.

 

[zow2]

Yes, it's going to be Matt Rhule not Joe Brady.  That's a lock.  They are going to put their trust with someone who is extremely familiar with PSU and already is a good head coach in the B10.  I'm not a Penn State guy, but even I know this is not a proving ground for a coordinator in the NFL, who "might" be a good head coach?!... but we don't know for sure.

[JimBob2232]

2 hours ago, zow2 said:

Yes, it's going to be Matt Rhule not Joe Brady.  That's a lock.  They are going to put their trust with someone who is extremely familiar with PSU and already is a good head coach in the B10.  I'm not a Penn State guy, but even I know this is not a proving ground for a coordinator in the NFL, who "might" be a good head coach?!... but we don't know for sure.

What - like Bill O’Brien?