Key Highlights
- James Franklin has been named a candidate for several head coaching positions after being fired by Penn State.
- The LSU Tigers and Auburn Tigers are among the teams considering Franklin as their next head coach.
- Franklin reaffirmed his goal to win a national championship on ESPN’s “College GameDay.”
- Auburn has struggled recently but boasts significant resources, making it an intriguing option for Franklin.
James Franklin Named Candidate for Historic College Football Team Head Coaching Positions
Former Penn State head coach James Franklin has found himself on the radar of several collegiate programs after being fired by the Nittany Lions in October 2025. The LSU Tigers, Auburn Tigers, Virginia Tech Hokies, and Florida Gators are among the teams expressing interest in Franklin as a potential replacement for their current head coaches.
Franklin’s recent firing from Penn State was due to underwhelming performance, particularly in the 2024 season where his team struggled. Despite these shortcomings, Franklin has remained resolute in his ambition, reaffirming on ESPN’s “College GameDay” that his goal remains unchanged: winning a national championship.
Auburn’s Search for a New Head Coach
The Auburn Tigers are currently in the midst of a coaching search following the firing of Hugh Freeze. The Tigers have not had a winning season since 2020 and haven’t won a bowl game since 2018, making their current situation ripe for change. According to Pro Football Focus’ Max Chadwick, Franklin is listed as a candidate for Auburn’s head coaching vacancy.
Auburn’s resources present an intriguing opportunity for Franklin.
As of November 14, 2025, the Tigers have the 16th highest NIL collective revenue at $11.58 million in college football. This financial backing could be crucial in helping Auburn turn its fortunes around.
However, Franklin’s track record with struggling SEC programs suggests that turning Auburn around would not come without challenges. His tenure as head coach of Vanderbilt from 2011 to 2014 saw him successfully navigate a turnaround, going from a 2-10 season under Robbie Caldwell to back-to-back 9-4 seasons.
Other Teams Considering Franklin
In addition to Auburn, Franklin has also been linked to several other programs. Chadwick’s article mentions Florida, Virginia Tech, and Arkansas as potential suitors for the former Penn State head coach. These programs are actively seeking to shake up their coaching staffs and potentially capitalize on Franklin’s experience in turnaround scenarios.
While Franklin’s move to any of these schools would represent a significant step down from his tenure at Penn State, the allure of a national championship title and the resources available could make it an attractive proposition.
If Auburn were to bring Franklin aboard, he might use this opportunity as a stepping stone to potentially return to a program with even greater resources or prestige.
Nevertheless, Franklin’s candidacy for these positions highlights the ongoing search for experienced coaches in college football. As teams continue to evaluate their options, the next few months will be crucial in determining which coach will lead each team into the future.
Conclusion
The landscape of college football coaching is ever-evolving, and James Franklin’s name has once again been brought up as a potential candidate. With several programs considering him, it remains to be seen whether Franklin will find his next opportunity at one of these schools or if he will continue his search for a head coaching position.
