Yesterday, it was announced that former Penn State head coach James Franklin will appear live on ESPN’s College GameDay during coverage of Ole Miss at Georgia, marking his first interview since being fired Sunday after nearly 12 seasons leading the Nittany Lions.
What’s on Franklin’s mind is anyone’s guess—but here’s a primer on what I expect to hear from him.
1. How It Went Down
I don’t expect Franklin to dive deep into the details, but this will be his chance to share his version of events publicly.
It’s unlikely he’ll simply say, “I didn’t meet expectations,” and leave it at that—though that could happen.
Expect questions about when the decision was made, how it was presented, and how the separation was negotiated. His tone and phrasing will be telling. Keep athletic director Pat Kraft’s prior comments handy—any discrepancies between the two could speak volumes.
2. Franklin Will Say He Wanted to Finish the Season
No head coach wants to be fired midseason, and Franklin is no exception.
I expect him to emphasize that his overall success at Penn State—despite struggles against Top-10 opponents—should have earned him the chance to finish the year.
It’s hard to argue with that sentiment, even if results in marquee matchups didn’t meet expectations.
3. His Relationship With Pat Kraft
I don’t anticipate Franklin airing dirty laundry when asked about his relationship—or lack thereof—with athletic director Pat Kraft.
He’ll likely take one of two approaches:
– The complete high road: praising Kraft and sidestepping any tension.
– The calculated high road: staying professional but subtly indicating that the relationship wasn’t as strong as portrayed.
Either way, expect a diplomatic answer carefully worded to preserve Franklin’s reputation.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.4. Saying Goodbye to the Team
This question is almost guaranteed.
Franklin is an emotional coach who has long prided himself on his connection with players, so expect a heartfelt answer here. This could be the moment that brings visible emotion to the interview—and maybe a few tissues.
5. Penn State Fans
If this topic doesn’t come up, I’d be shocked.
The scene at the end of Franklin’s tenure went viral: the boos were loud, and a few fans reportedly crossed the line by throwing objects and shouting obscenities.
Franklin will almost certainly address this carefully.
He’s unlikely to condemn the fanbase as a whole but may express disappointment in that small minority. The smart play for him is to take the high road, leaving the door open for reconciliation with Nittany Nation.
6. The Separation Agreement
With one of the largest buyouts in college football history and numerous details reported by national outlets, Franklin will likely be asked about the financial and contractual aspects of his exit.
Don’t expect specifics—he’ll avoid dollar amounts and legal terms—but he may describe how his agent and Penn State came to a mutual agreement. We’ll likely get a general sense of whether the process was amicable or contentious.
7. His Future
Franklin is arguably the most sought-after coach currently on the market.
He’ll have the freedom to choose his next move—whether that’s a quick return to the sidelines or a stint in television.
Programs like Florida, UCLA, or Virginia Tech could be logical fits if they open, but there’s also a real possibility that College GameDay uses this appearance to transition Franklin into an ESPN analyst role. His dynamic, polished media presence would make him a natural fit for broadcasting.
Final Thought
Whatever direction Franklin takes, this interview will be pivotal. It’s not just a look back at his Penn State tenure—it’s a glimpse into how he wants to define his next chapter.
