‘It’s about our players’: Penn State’s James Franklin addresses job security after stunning Northwestern loss

When James Franklin answered questions about his job status in the past, he almost always referenced his commitment to the university and to the team. He’d say something like “I think I’ve shown my commitment over my years here.”

Of course, the circumstances were much different. He was the subject of many a rumor for vacant jobs at USC and Florida in previous years.

But after three straight losses, including two in shocking fashion to UCLA and Northwestern, 22-21 on Saturday, the question is whether he’ll even get another game to coach the Nittany Lions.

And his answers didn’t include any mention of Penn State, the administration or the university.

“For me, it’s always been about our players, and those guys are hurting right now, and the fans are frustrated,” Franklin said when asked if he still wants to be the head coach at Penn State. “I get it. I totally get it. We have great fans here. We get unbelievable support, and I understand their frustration. Trust me.”

He continued to reprise comments he’s used over the past few weeks, saying his team needed to block out outside noise and “stick together.” Then, he used that word “commitment.”

“I love those kids. I am committed to those players in that locker room, and I’ve been that way for 12 years, and I’ve been that way for 15 years of my head coaching career, and I’ve been that way for 30 years,” Franklin said. “That won’t change. It’s always been about the players for me. That won’t ever change. That’s what it’s all about for me. My commitment is to the guys in that locker room and all the guys that have been in that locker room in the past.”

Pressed further about whether remaining the Penn State head coach is best for his career, he once again mentioned only the players.

“I take full responsibility for what’s happened tonight,” Franklin said. “I take full responsibility for what’s happened this season, and I’m committed to the guys in that locker room.”

“Fire Franklin” chants first started in the fourth quarter of the White Out as Penn State sputtered offensively against Oregon. The boos rang throughout Beaver Stadium once Penn State dropped yet another top-10 matchup and crescendoed through Saturday’s embarrassment.

The scene was ugly as he marched toward the locker room with a shell-shocked expression. The only break-up in constant booing was various expletives fired toward the 12th-year head coach.

It all led to the most solemn postgame press conference of his career. And Franklin, notorious for his filibustering on the podium, delivered just a 14-second opening statement before turning to questions.

He sounded, and acted, like someone who could see the writing on the wall.

“First of all, you gotta give Northwestern and Coach Braun a ton of credit,” Franklin said. “We shouldn’t lose that game. It’s 100% on me, and we gotta get it fixed. And I will get it fixed.”

But will he get the chance to do so?