Who Could Replace James Franklin at Penn State?

Led by head coach James Franklin, the Penn State football program is facing mounting pressure after a significant 37-42 loss to the unranked UCLA Bruins on Saturday, Oct. 4. This loss, in combination with another crushing overtime 30-24 loss to the Oregon Ducks, is raising questions about Franklin's future with Penn State.

The team's recent lackluster performances have put Franklin on the hot seat, especially given his failure to secure significant wins since taking over as head coach. As a result, Penn State might consider firing Franklin in the offseason and searching for a new coach to revitalize the program.

Amid ongoing coaching uncertainties, former NFL head coach Jon Gruden has emerged as a surprising candidate for Penn State, according to Newsweek. 

Gruden hasn't coached football since he left the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021. Throughout his NFL coaching career, he compiled a 117-112 record and won a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2002.

Discussions among Penn State fans reveal a strong interest in Gruden, with questions raised about his salary demands and a desire for a high-profile "splash" hire to energize the team.