The football world was hit with some shocking news over the weekend as Penn State decided to end the tenure of head coach James Franklin. After spending more than a decade in the program, it was one of the more shocking moves across the college football landscape. Immediately, reactions started pouring in on the move and what it meant for the school as well as their coach.
But it wasn’t just the media or those tied to the program who had something to say about the news. Former players, too, who saw their careers blossom under Franklin, added their two cents about the situation. Chief among them was one of the greatest defensive talents to come from the Nittany Lions and the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, Micah Parsons.
Micah Parsons Isn’t a Fan of Penn State Firing James Franklin
Franklin first took the head coaching job at Penn State in 2014, after spending three years in the same role at Vanderbilt. Steadily building a program, he made the college a reputable program through and through. Additionally, he was the mastermind behind the success of some truly legendary players like the aforementioned Parsons and Saquon Barkley. Last year was his most successful season as the team went 11-1.
Reaching the college football playoffs for the first time as a sixth seed, he won two playoff games as well before losing to Notre Dame.
This year, though, seemed to start on the perfect track. Going 3-0, it seemed like a chance for Franklin to build on last year’s momentum, especially after entering the season as the second-ranked team themselves.
Unfortunately, that goodwill did not last long. Losing to a fifth-ranked Oregon squad began the downfall, which reached a fever pitch next week when they lost to the winless UCLA squad, falling out of the rankings entirely.
A third-straight loss, this time to Northwestern, proved to be the final nail in the coffin, with Franklin getting fired the very next day. Even with the downfall of this season, the news did not go over well with most alumni.
Parsons was the loudest in voicing his support for Franklin, though. Taking to X, he wrote, “Regardless of the situation at hand, this one doesn’t feel right to me! Coach deserved better! My self and countless others wouldn’t be where we are today without Coach! Thank you.”
Regardless of the situation at hand, this one doesn’t feel right to me! Coach deserved better! My self and countless others wouldn’t be where we are today without Coach! Thank you. #Weareforever! pic.twitter.com/r9XWVdyvxw
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) October 13, 2025
Parsons’ success at the collegiate level, which included winning Big Ten Linebacker of the Year and becoming a consensus All-American as a sophomore in 2019, was linked directly to Franklin, who went 11-2 with him that year.
While Parsons sat out the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he was drafted No. 12 overall and has gone on to be a two-time first-team All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler. Even after his transition to the pros, the two have maintained a close bond.
Franklin, too, has remained a vocal advocate for Parsons, going so far as to bat for his former player when conversations emerged around his effectiveness after he was traded to the Green Bay Packers.
“He’s a dynamic player, right? (Dallas) drafted him for a reason. The Packers made the trade for a reason. He’s been one of the most disruptive players since he stepped into the NFL, and we expect that to continue.”
