Penn State Players React to James Franklin’s Unexpected Firing

The firing of head coach James Franklin has left players of the Penn State Nittany Lions grappling with shock and guilt. On Sunday, following the team’s third consecutive loss to Northwestern, athletic director Pat Kraft announced Franklin’s dismissal. Team captain Nick Dawkins expressed his disbelief at the news, stating that the atmosphere within the Lasch Football Building has drastically changed.

“It’s definitely tough. This is a tough situation,” Dawkins said during a press conference on Tuesday. “Something huge is missing in our building, and it’s definitely felt.” He added that he never anticipated a time when Franklin would no longer be coaching the team.

Players like Dawkins, along with teammates Dominic DeLuca, Devonte Ross, and Tyler Duzansky, shared their feelings about the abrupt change. Dawkins reflected on the overwhelming sense of guilt among the team, acknowledging, “We got our coach fired. We didn’t play well enough. We didn’t do our job well enough. Now he doesn’t have a job.”

DeLuca, who has become a key player after starting as a walk-on, described the emotional turmoil within the team. “It’s a very emotional time right now, just trying to keep everything 1-0 and making sure everybody stays together,” he said. He emphasized the importance of maintaining unity as they move forward, especially with a game against Iowa scheduled for Saturday at 19:00 (local time).

Ross, a recent transfer from Troy, also felt the weight of the situation. He noted the emotional impact of Franklin’s departure, recalling a heartfelt address Franklin gave to the team after the news broke. “It was obviously a surprise to all of us. We all have a lot of love and respect for Coach Franklin,” Ross stated.

The team’s leadership council convened on Monday to discuss their next steps. “It’s not easy, I’ll definitely say that,” DeLuca commented. He mentioned that many players had gathered for dinner that evening to share their thoughts and feelings about the sudden change. “To be able to talk about it was huge for a lot of people,” he added.

The players expressed their support for Terry Smith, who has been appointed as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. DeLuca praised Smith’s commitment to the team and his approach to coaching. “He’s about dotting the i’s, crossing the t’s and making sure everyone’s doing their jobs. He holds us accountable,” he noted.

The transition to life without Franklin is challenging for the players, many of whom were recruited during his tenure. “Every single one of us is in the locker room and on the team because Coach Franklin brought us here,” Dawkins said. He recognized Franklin’s influence on their lives and careers, emphasizing that the coach’s legacy will remain with them throughout the season.

As the team prepares for their upcoming match against Iowa, there is a collective effort to honor Franklin’s contributions while navigating this difficult period. The emotional impact of his departure continues to resonate among the players, underscoring the profound connections formed during their time under his leadership.