In sports, it’s said not to let one loss turn into the next one. Unfortunately for Penn State, that’s exactly what happened in its latest upset loss to Northwestern. Going back to its Week 5 defeat to No. 6 Oregon, the Nittany Lions have now dropped three straight for the first time since 2021 — a season that ended at 7-6.
That’s exactly the kind of finish that could happen again — or worse — if coach James Franklin doesn’t get his team back on track. Then again, Franklin could already be on borrowed time, with the schedule only getting tougher over the next six games that includes opponents No. 1 Ohio State and No. 7 Indiana.
“I take full responsibility for all of it,” Franklin said after the game. “I hired all the staff, I recruited all the players. I believe in all of them. But we’re not getting it done right now.”
It was questioned after the loss to Oregon. It became real after the upset against UCLA. Now, after an embarrassing defeat to lowly Northwestern, it’s undeniable — James Franklin is on the hot seat. But who could replace him if he’s fired?
James Franklin Could Be Replaced by Nebraska’s Matt Rhule
If and when athletic director Pat Kraft decides to move on from Franklin, it would become one of the biggest job openings in college football. That would attract plenty of interest from top coaches across the country — including Nebraska’s Matt Rhule, who The Sporting News’ Bill Bender suggested would be the top option.
“Why would Rhule leave for another school in the Big Ten? Rhule would be at his alma mater, where he played from 1994-97,” Bender wrote. “Rhule is scheduled to make $8.5 million as Nebraska’s coach this season, so it would not be a cheap move. This would still be the most popular hire, without question.”
The 50-year-old coach is in his third season at Nebraska, sitting at 5-1. With the Cornhuskers, he’s 17-14 overall. Combined with his previous stints at Temple and Baylor, Rhule owns a 64-57 career record with one top-25 finish — a No. 13 ranking in 2019 with the Bears.
It’s typically in his third year at a program when Rhule finds his rhythm and delivers double-digit wins. Who knows, Rhule could be getting that win come November 22 when the Nittany Lions host Nebraska at Beaver Stadium.
Matt Rhule Has Another Strong Connection to Penn State
Besides being his alma mater, there’s another big reason Rhule makes sense as Penn State’s next head coach — his relationship with Kraft. The two worked together during their time at Temple.
Ironically, they were responsible for one of Franklin’s most embarrassing losses when the Owls beat Penn State 27-10 in 2015.
Rhule also spoke highly of Kraft this past summer, praising his approach to leadership and accountability.
“What Pat does is, he comes in, he raises the level of expectation, he removes the excuses,” Rhule said. “You’re here to play for championships. And if you want to do that, there has to be a certain investment from the university. I know he makes that investment, and then he expects you to perform.”
It’s safe to say Franklin isn’t performing to those expectations in Year 12, as he continues to make unwanted history. Not only is he still struggling against ranked opponents, but he’s now losing to teams he used to beat — including an 0-4 UCLA squad that fired most of its coaching staff.
The loss to Northwestern made Penn State the first FBS team in the last three decades to lose consecutive games as at least 20-point favorites, according to CBS Sports.
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