Saquon Barkley Reacts to James Franklin’s Dismissal from Penn State

The Penn State Nittany Lions have parted ways with head coach James Franklin after over a decade of service. This decision comes on the heels of a disappointing stretch for the team, which has lost three consecutive games, leading to their absence from the Top 25 rankings. While the dismissal may seem abrupt, it has been a long time in the making, as the program has frequently struggled in key matchups during Franklin’s tenure.

Former players have expressed their support for Franklin in the wake of his firing. Among them is Saquon Barkley, a standout running back who gained national prominence while under Franklin’s guidance. Barkley shared his feelings about the situation, noting the significant impact Franklin had on his life and career.

“For me, seeing Coach Franklin get fired definitely hurts. That’s the guy who gave me my shot,” Barkley said. He reflected on the highs of the program, recalling moments when Penn State was a formidable force in college football. “I know the season is not going the way we like right now, but the game before the national championship the year before, Big Ten championships. At one point, Penn State wasn’t spoken about how we’ve been spoken about the last couple of years.”

Barkley emphasized his deep respect for Franklin, stating, “I got nothing but respect for Coach Franklin—not just as a coach, but as a man. I don’t really use the word ‘father figure’ because my father is in my life, but whatever term is underneath it, he definitely played a big part in my life, and him and his family.”

The former running back expressed his admiration for the dedication Franklin showed to the program, adding, “He put a lot of himself into that program over there and it sucks to see him go.”

With Franklin’s chapter at Penn State closing, many speculate about his future in coaching. Given his extensive experience and past success, he is likely to be a sought-after candidate for various coaching positions across college football.

This weekend, Franklin is scheduled to appear on ESPN’s College GameDay, where he may provide further insights into his departure and future plans. As Penn State transitions to a new era, the impact of Franklin’s leadership will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion among fans and analysts alike.