I have a theory on Penn State...based on how things went down.
My theory is a very real "for cause" event was discovered. (look at previous James Franklin scandals etc.) both parties agreed to simply firing him mid-season and let things be what they were going to be.
Why I think this theory is legit, James Franklin very quickly took a well paying P4 job at VA Tech which will mitigate a TON of his buyout owed by Penn State.
If you look at Brian Kelly's firing, and even Lane Kiffin leaving Ole Miss...usually a HC or the previous school is bitter and they make that obvious with how they handle the aftermath.
But at Penn State neither school or Franklin have really been at odds...so I believe something happened neither want out because it will have a negative impact on both.
I think their next HC is coaching somewhere this weekend...(even if a coordinator) and they're simply allowing him to finish up because they knew who they wanted and all the other names floating about are happening as smoke or to get those guys more money by their agents elsewhere.