Ranking college football’s top job openings: Where does Penn State stand?

Penn State University has fired head football coach James Franklin as of October 12, 2025. This decision has positioned the Penn State coaching role as one of the most desirable in college football. The vacancy comes amidst the opening of several high-profile coaching positions in the SEC, including those at LSU, Florida, Auburn, and Arkansas.

The Penn State job is ranked as the second most attractive opportunity, just behind LSU. Key factors making Penn State an appealing option include its strong tradition, financial backing from Big Ten revenues, and ongoing renovations at Beaver Stadium. The program has experienced recent success, having nearly reached the national championship game last season, but the pressure to win remains high. Athletic Director Pat Kraft and university leaders are committed to achieving significant success, indicating that the new hire must be prepared to meet lofty expectations.