Following a surprising loss to the Northwestern Wildcats, Penn State parted ways with head coach James Franklin, thrusting the program into an unexpected coaching search, with assistant Terry Smith taking over as the interim head coach.
During “ESPN’s College Gameday,” the former Nittany Lions head coach spoke to the media for the first time following his firing from Penn State. Franklin’s former team takes on the Iowa Hawkeyes tonight. Iowa is currently 4-2 on the season, and ranks 29th nationally according to PFN’s playoff meter.
Fans React After James Franklin Admits National Championship Dream.
During his interview on “ESPN’s College Gameday.” The former Penn State head coach spoke to Crimson Tide legend Nick Saban and former NFL star Pat McAfee. During the interview, Franklin revealed that he’s already on the lookout for his next job.
James Franklin on @CollegeGameDay: “We’re just going to go win the national championship somewhere else now.” https://t.co/pRSbAgHHZL
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 18, 2025
“I thought we were going to win a national championship there. That goal hasn’t changed. We’re now going to win a national championship somewhere else.” Franklin explained a statement that led to contrasting responses from fans.
So he downloaded CFB25? What’s his gamertag?
— chelby (@ChelbyMustang) October 18, 2025
“So he downloaded CFB25? What’s his gamertag?” One fan questioned, with many echoing the statement.
Where? PS5?
— Will Applebee (@NOTSCWill) October 18, 2025
“Where? PS5?” Another questioned.
The closest Franklin ever got to winning a National Championship at Penn State was last year. After going 11-1 in the regular season, the Nitanny Lions made it to the National Championship Semi-Finals. They lost out after a 24-27 Orange Bowl loss to Notre Dame.
During his time as head coach. The Penn State head coach was just 15-29 against ranked opponents during his tenure. This also included 1-18 against top-10 Big Ten teams during his stint as head coach. These statistics have led to ridicule from fans.
Saying this when he cannot beat a top 10 ranked opponent 😂😂😂
— F/Vlawkk (@MichkovMuse) October 18, 2025
“Saying this when he cannot beat a top 10-ranked opponent.” One fan stated, with others backing up the response.
Saying this when he cannot beat a top 10 ranked opponent 😂😂😂
— F/Vlawkk (@MichkovMuse) October 18, 2025
“it was unfair” from the same crew that bashed him for being “Big Game James” and even had that 4-21 top 10 team win/loss stat while he was talking got it
— kaylee (@rustedphones) October 18, 2025
“It was unfair,” from the same crew that bashed him for being “Big Game James” and even had that 4-21 top 10 team win/loss stat while he was talkin, got it.” One fan blasted ESPN and Saban following the interview.
While the former Nitanny Lions head coach has been mocked and ridiculed following this statement. Some fans believe that Franklin’s interview will potentially work out in his favor in the future.
Rooting for him. Penn state is about to learn the grass isn’t always greener.
— SCGT (@SCGTRTR) October 18, 2025
“Rooting for him. Penn State is about to learn the grass isn’t always greener.” One fan suggested.
Following a 56-13 loss to Notre Dame, the Arkansas Razorbacks made the decision to fire head coach Sam Pittman. Pitman was fired after failing to break into the top tier of SEC teams, with an overall record of 32-34 that kept the Razorbacks firmly in mediocrity.
Currently, interim head coach Bobby Petrino looks to be the favorite to land the Razorback’s job. However, there are some fans who have suggested that the former Nitanny Lions head coach would be the perfect fit for the job.
Love this move by James Franklin to publicly interview for the Arkansas job here in front of Nick Saban and the world. Savvy. https://t.co/6XfXkHLjJ6
— Curtis Wilkerson (@CurtWilkerson_) October 18, 2025
“Love this move by James Franklin to publicly interview for the Arkansas job here in front of Nick Saban and the world. Savvy,” one Razorback’s reporter wrote.
Another potential landing spot is the UCLA Bruins. Current interim head coach Tim Skipper took over for DeShaun Foster following a 0-3 start to the season, and has looked to have turned things around at UCLA.
These are just a few of many potential options. However, Franklin looks to have increased his chances of landing a new head coaching job drastically following the recent interview.
