What's next for James Franklin? Potential landing spots for former Penn State coach, from North Carolina to Florida

Daniel Mader

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What's next for James Franklin? Potential landing spots for former Penn State coach, from North Carolina to Florida image

Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

For the first time in over a decade, James Franklin could be on the move.

The 53-year-old coach, who helped Penn State re-enter the national spotlight after taking over in 2014, was fired over the weekend following the Nittany Lions' third consecutive loss. While Franklin enjoyed plenty of success in Happy Valley -- Penn State had six seasons with double-digit wins under him -- he was never quite able to break through in the biggest games on the schedule, a frustrating trend prior to upset losses vs. UCLA and Northwestern.

Now, Franklin could choose to go a variety of ways with his career. He's set to be one of the most accomplished coaches available in the 2025 cycle. With a history of strong leadership and player development, Franklin would ideally fit a program with financial assets at hand that's seeking to become a consistent winner.

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Which college programs could Franklin wind up with, or could he pursue other paths? Here's a breakdown of the former Penn State coach's potential top options.

MORE: Where James Franklin's buyout ranks among largest in college football history

James Franklin potential landing spots

North Carolina

To start with what could be the biggest potential splash -- North Carolina has not fired Bill Belichick, but reports have suggested a split is entirely possible. The 2025 season has not been great in Chapel Hill thus far, as Belichick stepped in, has caused various distractions, then guided the Tar Heels to just a 2-3 record through five games. UNC ranks among the worst offensive teams in college football.

If UNC does go through with a potential Belichick buyout, which is a big "if," there are some reasons to like Franklin's fit with the Tar Heels.

For one, he'd be a floor-raiser from the start -- North Carolina has been without a real direction since the 2023 season, when it ranked as high as No. 10 in the AP Poll under Mack Brown. Franklin, who coached his teams to 12 bowl games in 13 seasons prior to a 2024 College Football Playoff run, would give UNC a strong recruiter and established winner to move on from an ugly Belichick stint.

Considering the Tar Heels gave Belichick a reported $10 million per season over five years, they would likely have the money to pull Franklin off the market if they wanted to. Clearly, UNC is financially invested in making its football program a winner again — and if Belichick wasn't the answer, Franklin could be.

Franklin's successes at Penn State and Vanderbilt came from building a struggling program with resources up into a national contender. The big-game failures are another question, but not one UNC should even be thinking about in its current mess.

With Franklin likely eyeing a program with similar resources to Penn State's, UNC would make a lot of sense if it splits with Belichick, ending the NFL coaching legend's drama-filled trip to college. A lot has to happen for this to become a possibility, but Franklin would give UNC a professional who could steer the Tar Heels back on track.

MORE: How much is Bill Belichick's buyout at UNC?

Virginia Tech

In terms of teams with current head coach openings, Virginia Tech could align with Franklin well. He'd would be a big-name hire for the Hokies, who fired Brent Pry three games into the 2025 season. 

Like UNC, Virginia Tech is a bigger-name school who could make Franklin happen with the right resources, needing a boost after years of shortcomings. The Hokies haven't won at least eight games in a season since 2019, and they haven't won 10 games since 2016.

Regionally, this would also be a stronger fit for Franklin than UNC or other open jobs. Franklin would be moving just down the East Coast, giving Virginia Tech a floor-raiser who has recruited in the state previously.

Again, Virginia Tech isn't a program that should be worried about Franklin's struggles against elite opponents. The Hokies have struggled to maintain any level of success since Frank Beamer left. It probably has more to do if Franklin is interested in Virginia Tech than vice-versa, but he could help the Hokies keep up in the ACC.

Maryland

Franklin had two previous stints at Maryland and was once considered the program's "head coach in waiting." Could a third stint be in the cards?

Mike Locksley, who Franklin once worked alongside at Maryland, has been in charge for the Terrapins since 2019, so there's no guarantee this job would even be available. But after a 4-8 record in 2024 following three-straight bowl game victories, perhaps the Terps are interested in a potential upgrade, even an expensive one.

Franklin was Maryland's wide receivers coach from 2000-04, and he became the team's recruiting coordinator during that stint. He returned in 2008 as offensive coordinator, also being tabbed as assistant head coach and head coach in waiting to Ralph Friedgen.

However, Franklin wound up accepting the head coaching job at Vanderbilt right before Friedgen was fired. Fifteen years later, perhaps he finally takes on the role he was once supposed to, owning a history with the program, a proven ability to secure top talent in the DMV area, and experience in the Big Ten. 

Plus, this (hypothetical) job would give Franklin a chance to stick it to Penn State during the 2026 season when the teams meet in College Park. Wouldn't that be fun?

MORE: Why did Penn State fire James Franklin?

Florida 

Another high-profile job that's currently occupied, but in fluctuation: Florida. Arguably no team on this list invests in football like the Gators, and that would certainly be attractive to Franklin. And while Franklin wouldn't bring much regional recruiting experience to the Sunshine State, the Gators may also have enough talent in-place to contend with him anyway.

Off to a 2-4 start this season, the chances of Billy Napier losing his job are only growing. Outside of a win over Texas, the Gators, again, aren't living up to much hype.

Who's to say if Napier-to-Franklin is really much of a significant upgrade, but for a Florida program that hasn't been a real contender in the SEC since 2020, it could be worth the shot. Perhaps he could get the Gators to break through on a level he never quite reached at Penn State.

College football media 

While there could be other programs with open jobs — Arkansas, UCLA, etc. — that throw some money at Franklin, he could decide he's gotten enough coaching money. After all, he did just secure a potential $49 million buyout, which ranks as the second-largest ever for a college football coach.

One thing's for sure: Franklin won't be doing nothing. According to Front Office Sports, Franklin is "obligated to search for a new job," whether in coaching or broadcasting, as per his former Penn State contract. Additionally, "Penn State will only have to pay him the difference between his new salary and the amount of the buyout. If he gets another salary worth more than the terms of the buyout, Penn State owes him nothing."

So, while Franklin is likely to be looking for a new job in some fashion, it doesn't have to be in coaching. Broadcasting would make sense for him, as he'd seem like the kind of coach who could provide some expertise on college football programs.

Franklin has also made various media appearances in the past as a guest, with one recent example being on "The Pat McAfee Show." 

Multiple times, he's also appeared on "College GameDay."

MORE: Breaking down Penn State's 2025 collapse

James Franklin coaching record

  • Overall: 128-60 (.681)
  • Penn State: 104-45 (.698)

While he does have a reputation for big-game struggles, Franklin's been among college football's most consistent head coaches over the past decade.

He's put up a 128-60 overall record, with 104 of those wins coming at Penn State.

MORE: Breaking down James Franklin's record vs. top-10 teams

Daniel Mader

Daniel Mader is a Content Producer for The Sporting News. He joined SN in 2024 as an editorial intern following graduation from Penn State University. He has previously written for Sports Illustrated, NBC Sports, the Centre Daily Times, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The Daily Collegian and LancasterOnline. Daniel grew up in Lancaster, Penn., with a love for baseball that’ll never fade, but could also talk basketball or football for days.