I don't think that's why they fired him but it's a reason why JF couldn't get over the hump and win bigger games more frequently and championships as well. Didn't have the guy who could put the team on his back when needed. Instead they have someone like Allar who make mistakes that cost them games like the semis and Oregon a few weeks ago, let alone put a team on his back.Not you, but that's just a weak, BS reason to give to fire the guy.
I think they just feel JF has run his course and he's not the guy to get them over the hump to win a championship. I think there's something to be said to that but given the money owed and the uncertainty of a new hire (could drop from your current high perch), I'd have kept him around for a little longer. I think it's possible they could save 15-25M in the buyout if Franklin gets another job in the next year or 2.
I've mentioned here how PSU kind of went all in this year with resources to bring the band back together for another run after the near miss and paying Knowles 3M/yr for 3 years etc..so I think doing all that and flopping against UCLA and NW probably did him in. It's like we went all in and gave you all this and you can't even beat these guys...you're never gonna get us to the mountain top.
Was listening to a pod and Thamel mentioned if he had to predict he think it'll be a Matt (Campbell or Rhule). Rhule is like best buddies with Kraft their AD. So it would be a matter of do you want to work with your best friend or is it better to keep arms length in professional relationships with close friends to avoid potential awkwardness. I think Campbell would be a solid choice. He reminds me of an Elko as the "under the radar" type of guy but always has his guys fighting and playing hard and has won big games here and there at tough place to win them.