James Franklin is actively seeking a new opportunity after his dismissal from the Penn State Nittany Lions on October 12. He has emerged as a potential candidate for multiple head coaching vacancies, including those at LSU, Virginia Tech, Auburn, Florida, and Oklahoma State. Franklin has publicly reiterated his desire to continue coaching and his aspiration to secure a national championship, expressing these ambitions during a recent appearance on ESPN’s “College GameDay.”
Although his time at Penn State included some challenges, Franklin has an impressive overall record of 104 wins against 45 losses over 12 seasons, with a 6-6 mark in bowl games. This solid foundation makes him a contender as programs look to turn their fortunes around.
Pro Football Focus has identified Franklin as a prime candidate for the head coaching position at Auburn, which recently parted ways with Hugh Freeze following a disappointing season. Under Freeze, the Tigers finished with a 4-5 record, and the program has not seen a winning season since 2020 or a bowl game victory since 2018. Despite these setbacks, Auburn’s substantial resources, bolstered by a NIL collective worth $11.58 million—ranking them 16th in college football—positions the program as an appealing challenge for a coach with Franklin’s background.
Franklin’s prior experience at Vanderbilt showed his ability to revitalize struggling programs; he achieved a 24-15 record during his three years there, with two consecutive 9-4 seasons. This success was pivotal in propelling him to Penn State, and the potential to reshape Auburn could serve as a similar breakout opportunity.
However, Franklin may face stiff competition if he pursues the Auburn position, as other schools such as Florida, Virginia Tech, and Arkansas are also reportedly interested in hiring him. As the coaching landscape evolves, Franklin’s next steps will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike, hoping he can lead another program to prosperity.