Recruiting Forum Football Talk IX

#46,807
#46,807
jmacvols1 said:


GROK: Did Adidas Drive the Firing of Penn State Coach James Franklin?

Yes, multiple reports and insider sources indicate that Adidas played a significant role in the decision to fire Penn State head football coach James Franklin on October 12, 2025, midway through his 12th season. This came after a shocking three-game losing streak (to Oregon, UCLA, and Northwestern), dropping the Nittany Lions to 3-3 despite preseason national title expectations. Franklin, who compiled a 104-45 record at Penn State including a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance last year, was let go despite a massive contract buyout—estimated at $49.7 million to $56 million, the second-largest in college football history.Key Details on Adidas' Involvement
  • Financial Backing for the Buyout: Adidas reportedly committed to covering most or all of Franklin's buyout as part of their new $300 million, 10-year apparel deal with Penn State (set to replace a 30+ year Nike partnership starting in 2026). This financial incentive reportedly made the firing feasible, removing a major barrier for university leadership.
  • Timing and Pressure: Sources claim Adidas pushed for a coaching change before the recent losses, viewing Franklin as an obstacle to the program's future under their branding. The deal includes enhanced Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) resources, which Adidas tied to a "fresh start" for the team.
  • Broader Controversy: The switch to Adidas has sparked outrage among some Penn State board of trustees members, who allege they weren't shown full contract details from either Adidas or Nike during negotiations. The university has denied any misconduct.
Official University Response
Penn State's athletic director Pat Kraft praised Franklin's legacy in a statement, calling him a builder of a "national power," but emphasized the need for new leadership. Assistant coach Terry Smith was named interim head coach for the rest of the season. The school vigorously denied irregularities in the Adidas deal process via a statement from trustees.

Public and Media Reaction on X (formerly Twitter)
The rumor spread rapidly on X today, with sports insiders amplifying it:
  • A Penn State source told reporter Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) that "Adidas drove the James Franklin firing and [is] why it happened today." @MikeAsti11 This post garnered over 5,000 likes and 400 reposts within hours.
  • Users speculated on legal angles, with one noting excitement for Franklin's lawyers if Adidas overstepped: "If there is anything to rumors of Adidas forcing the Franklin firing... I think I’d be pretty excited if I was James Franklin’s lawyer." @SportsHutch
  • Others highlighted the buyout funding: "Before you bring up the James Franklin firing, apparently Adidas is bankrolling most of the buyout."
Click to expand...

Wow...this is a bad sign if true
 
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#46,808
#46,808
jmacvols1 said:


GROK: Did Adidas Drive the Firing of Penn State Coach James Franklin?

Yes, multiple reports and insider sources indicate that Adidas played a significant role in the decision to fire Penn State head football coach James Franklin on October 12, 2025, midway through his 12th season. This came after a shocking three-game losing streak (to Oregon, UCLA, and Northwestern), dropping the Nittany Lions to 3-3 despite preseason national title expectations. Franklin, who compiled a 104-45 record at Penn State including a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance last year, was let go despite a massive contract buyout—estimated at $49.7 million to $56 million, the second-largest in college football history.Key Details on Adidas' Involvement
  • Financial Backing for the Buyout: Adidas reportedly committed to covering most or all of Franklin's buyout as part of their new $300 million, 10-year apparel deal with Penn State (set to replace a 30+ year Nike partnership starting in 2026). This financial incentive reportedly made the firing feasible, removing a major barrier for university leadership.
  • Timing and Pressure: Sources claim Adidas pushed for a coaching change before the recent losses, viewing Franklin as an obstacle to the program's future under their branding. The deal includes enhanced Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) resources, which Adidas tied to a "fresh start" for the team.
  • Broader Controversy: The switch to Adidas has sparked outrage among some Penn State board of trustees members, who allege they weren't shown full contract details from either Adidas or Nike during negotiations. The university has denied any misconduct.
Official University Response
Penn State's athletic director Pat Kraft praised Franklin's legacy in a statement, calling him a builder of a "national power," but emphasized the need for new leadership. Assistant coach Terry Smith was named interim head coach for the rest of the season. The school vigorously denied irregularities in the Adidas deal process via a statement from trustees.

Public and Media Reaction on X (formerly Twitter)
The rumor spread rapidly on X today, with sports insiders amplifying it:
  • A Penn State source told reporter Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) that "Adidas drove the James Franklin firing and [is] why it happened today." @MikeAsti11 This post garnered over 5,000 likes and 400 reposts within hours.
  • Users speculated on legal angles, with one noting excitement for Franklin's lawyers if Adidas overstepped: "If there is anything to rumors of Adidas forcing the Franklin firing... I think I’d be pretty excited if I was James Franklin’s lawyer." @SportsHutch
  • Others highlighted the buyout funding: "Before you bring up the James Franklin firing, apparently Adidas is bankrolling most of the buyout."
Click to expand...

This is up there with @MIT_Beaver. I may have to join a PSU forum page to see what’s bound to be a **** show.
 
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#46,809
#46,809
MarcoVol said:
Lol who do you think they should hire then
Click to expand...
Well obviously Cignetti is gonna be #1 option even though I don’t think he leaves. I’d hire Golesh over any of those on that list not named Cignetti. I’m not too vested in the PSU search so I don’t care honestly. I’d be fine if they took Banks for us. He came from there.
 
#46,810
#46,810
Orangeburst said:
Since AI likes to deep dive the internet,

I have heard from Penn State officials and was informed that Butch Jones is the leading candidate. They offered him 5 years of free premium car washes at Hurricane Express.
Click to expand...
Yes, he's getting a sponsorship deal with them I hear. "Hey Butch, got bricks?" "No, but I did wash my car at a Hurricane Express last night."
 
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#46,815
#46,815
VolNRaleighNC said:
Well obviously Cignetti is gonna be #1 option even though I don’t think he leaves. I’d hire Golesh over any of those on that list not named Cignetti. I’m not too vested in the PSU search so I don’t care honestly. I’d be fine if they took Banks for us. He came from there.
Click to expand...

You’re sweet on Golesh bc he was here, I get that. I’m a fan also.

Golesh is trying to do what Rhule has already done 2x. Maybe now 3x depending on how the rest of Nebraska’s season goes.
 
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#46,819
#46,819
DD4ME said:
If I am UCLA just promote Neuhuisal and get out of this fray quickly.
Click to expand...
Isn't he just 35 or so? I like the boldness, but he's just the OC there.

Holy cow, we are in unprecedented times if an apparel company is paying 50 million to buyout a coach. What in the world is going on? But it is funny that Nike is basically the poverty apparel brand now and Adidas seems to be top dog. I heard South Carolina is paying Nike to wear their uniforms! I josh, but that deal is terrible.
 
#46,823
#46,823
VolNRaleighNC said:
UF and FSU may be forced to fire or they may miss out. I’m good if they stick with Sun Belt Billy.
Click to expand...
I was just about to post that these other schools might be pushed to move on from their coach quicker than they planned just so they're not behind all these other schools with vacancies. You have to think there are some tough discussions going on at UF about moving now or giving Napier the chance to win a few more and delay their search.
 
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