James Franklin is out at Penn State... What does that mean for Mike Norvell?

This is an interesting development.
Oct 11, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin stands on the field following the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images
Oct 11, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin stands on the field following the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images | Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

FSU FOOTBALL

Florida State football lost to Pittsburgh on Saturday afternoon at home by a score of 34-31. This is now the Seminoles' third straight loss, and fans are fed up with head football coach Mike Norvell. This is not an article about whether I believe Norvell should be the head man because it isn't my place to make the decision. I bleed Garnet and Gold and love this football program.

However, Norvell is now 36-30 in his six seasons at Florida State. The fan base thought that it would be a much better product after the horrific 2-10 campaign in 2024, but the 3-3 start in 2025 has left fans scratching their heads.

The standard is the standard, and this program has invested so many resources and dedication to not have a good product on the gridiron. Something has to change quickly.

FRANKLIN OUT AT PENN STATE

A bombshell was dropped by ESPN's Pete Thamel on Sunday, as Penn State has fired head football coach James Franklin.

I had to double-check and ensure that the news wasn't from an unreliable source on social media, but it is true. The Nittany Lions have relieved him of his duties. Penn State just announced that their starting quarterback Drew Allar is out for the season with an injury.

The program is now on a three-game losing streak at the hands of Oregon, UCLA, and Northwestern. The latter two defeats are inexcusable. The biggest concern was that Franklin couldn't get his teams to win the big game.

Franklin had a 104-45 record at Penn State during his 12-year tenure. His 2024 squad was just in the College Football Playoff. He is also coming off three straight 10-win seasons. Their athletic director at the university made a statement to the media about the standard of his program after the Franklin firing.

I am not advocating for Norvell's firing because I support those who are in the Garnet and Gold, but I also realize the shortcomings that have happened during his time in Tallahassee. If Penn State is having a quick trigger with Franklin, I can only imagine what Florida State is going through with Norvell. This could be a short leash coming for the Seminoles.

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