In a stunning turn of events, Penn State has parted ways with longtime head coach James Franklin following a brutal stretch of losses that effectively derailed a season that began with championship aspirations. While the decision to fire Franklin came swiftly, it wasn’t without warning. For Oklahoma State, a program entering a new era after the departure of Mike Gundy, Franklin's sudden availability could represent an intriguing opportunity.
A Fall from Grace at Penn State
Franklin’s dismissal comes on the heels of a three-game losing streak that sent shockwaves through Happy Valley. The first of those losses, an overtime heartbreaker at home against Oregon, wasn’t viewed as a catastrophe on its own. Oregon is among the best programs in college football and now a Big Ten foe, and Penn State showed resilience in nearly pulling off a comeback. But what followed, back-to-back losses to UCLA and Northwestern, was unacceptable for a program that entered the season ranked as high as No. 2 in several preseason polls.
Losing to teams with inferior talent, fewer resources, and far less pedigree proved to be the tipping point. Even more concerning was the way Penn State struggled against lesser non-conference opponents earlier in the year, barely escaping games that should have been easy wins. The signs were there. The failure to develop quarterback Drew Allar, who had five-star potential but never fully blossomed under Franklin’s guidance, only made the collapse more glaring. For a program with one of the most talented rosters on paper, falling completely out of the AP Top 25 was nothing short of embarrassing.
The Case for a Fresh Start
Despite the sour ending in State College, James Franklin’s résumé remains one of the more accomplished in college football. He took over Penn State during one of the darkest chapters in its history, navigating the aftermath of the Paterno/Sandusky scandal and restoring the program’s credibility. Over more than a decade, Franklin produced multiple double-digit win seasons, a Big Ten title, and numerous top-15 finishes. He’s proven he can recruit with the best and build a culture players want to be a part of.
But sometimes, the message runs stale. The pressure to win the "big game" mounted year after year, and with each loss to powerhouses like Ohio State and Michigan, patience wore thin. Franklin may not have lived up to the highest expectations at Penn State, but that doesn’t mean he’s done being a successful head coach. In fact, a new environment might be exactly what he needs and Oklahoma State might be the right kind of landing spot.
Why Oklahoma State Should Pick Up the Phone
With Mike Gundy’s long tenure at Oklahoma State officially over, the Cowboys are at a crossroads. The next hire will determine whether the program maintains its steady presence in the Big 12 or takes a step toward something greater. Athletic director Chad Weiberg has stated his preference for a head coach with prior experience, though he’s not limiting the search to that alone. If experience is truly a priority, then few available candidates can match Franklin’s track record.
Franklin would bring instant credibility to Stillwater. His reputation as a relentless recruiter and a coach who builds strong relationships with players could be invaluable in an era dominated by NIL deals and the transfer portal. Oklahoma State already has a solid foundation, and Franklin could elevate the program further, especially in recruiting battles against other Big 12 and SEC schools. His ability to sell a vision, connect with players, and attract talent is well-documented—and it could be a game-changer for a program looking to accelerate a turnaround.
Risks and Rewards
No coaching hire is without risk, and Franklin is no exception. His struggles to consistently beat top-tier programs are well-known. He has also faced criticism for in-game decision-making and player development, particularly at the quarterback position. Still, those flaws don’t erase over a decade of winning at a high level, nor do they suggest he couldn’t find renewed success in a different setting.
For Oklahoma State, hiring James Franklin wouldn’t be playing it safe but it might be exactly the kind of bold move that signals a desire to compete nationally, not just regionally. He brings baggage, yes, but also the potential to elevate a strong program into something more.
A Calculated Gamble Worth Considering
As the coaching carousel spins and more dominoes fall, James Franklin will be a name to watch. Schools like Florida, UCLA, and Virgina Tech may show interest, but Oklahoma State should at least make the call. It’s rare for a coach with his pedigree to hit the market midseason, and even rarer for a program like OSU to have a clean slate to work with at the same time.
If Franklin is open to the idea of a fresh start in Stillwater, it could be a win-win scenario. Oklahoma State gets an experienced, motivated coach with a proven blueprint, while Franklin gets a second act at a school hungry for national relevance. For both parties, this could be the perfect time to take a calculated risk—one that could pay off in a big way.