Imagine being the one who gave a future NFL superstar his big break, only to be unceremoniously let go years later. That’s the bittersweet reality Saquon Barkley is grappling with after Penn State’s shocking decision to fire head coach James Franklin. But here’s where it gets emotional: Barkley isn’t just reflecting on Franklin’s role in his football career—he’s honoring a mentor who shaped his life off the field, too.
In 2015, a year after James Franklin took the helm at Penn State, a young Saquon Barkley arrived in Happy Valley. What followed was nothing short of remarkable. Barkley, a four-star recruit from Whitehall, Pennsylvania, blossomed into a two-time Big Ten Most Valuable Player and eventually became the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Franklin wasn’t just his coach; he was the man who believed in him when it mattered most. And this is the part most people miss: their relationship went far beyond the gridiron. Barkley describes Franklin as more than a coach—he was a guiding force, someone who left an indelible mark on his life and the lives of his family.
Earlier this week, Penn State’s decision to part ways with Franklin after three consecutive losses sent shockwaves through college football. During a press conference on Friday, Barkley addressed the situation, his words laced with gratitude and sadness. “For me, seeing Coach Franklin get fired definitely hurts,” he admitted. “That’s the guy that gave me my shot.” Barkley didn’t shy away from acknowledging the team’s recent struggles but was quick to highlight Franklin’s legacy: a national championship appearance, multiple Big Ten titles, and a program that had regained its place among college football’s elite.
“I’ve got nothing but respect for Coach Franklin—not just as a coach, but as a man,” Barkley added. While he stopped short of calling Franklin a ‘father figure,’ he made it clear that the coach’s influence ran deep. “He played a big part in my life,” Barkley said, his voice tinged with emotion. “Worried about him and his family. Yes, he’s making a lot of money, but he poured so much of himself into that program. It’s tough to see him go.”
Franklin’s tenure at Penn State was undeniably successful. With a 104-45 overall record, he led the Nittany Lions to six 11-win seasons, including a memorable 2016 campaign where Barkley helped secure a Big Ten title and a Rose Bowl appearance. The team came agonizingly close to a national championship in 2024, losing to Notre Dame on a last-second field goal in the Orange Bowl. Despite three straight 10-win seasons, this year’s expectations were sky-high—until losses to Oregon, UCLA, and Northwestern sealed Franklin’s fate.
But here’s the controversial question: Did Penn State act too hastily in letting Franklin go? While recent losses are undeniable, his track record speaks volumes. And this isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about the lives he impacted, like Saquon Barkley’s. What do you think? Was this the right move for Penn State, or did they lose more than just a coach? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.
