**BREAKING: James Franklin Resigns as Head Coach of Penn State Nittany Lions**
In a stunning development, James Franklin has just announced his resignation as the head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions football team. The announcement, which came just minutes ago, has shocked fans, players, and the college football world at large.
Franklin, who took over as Penn State’s head coach in 2014, has had a successful tenure in Happy Valley. Under his leadership, the Nittany Lions saw significant success, including a Big Ten Championship in 2016 and multiple New Year’s Six bowl appearances. His tenure at Penn State also featured consistent top-10 finishes, as well as a reputation for recruiting top-tier talent.
The resignation comes at a time when Penn State was coming off a strong season, with high expectations for the future. Franklin, known for his leadership and ability to turn programs around, had cultivated a passionate fan base and strong connections with his players. However, rumors of internal conflicts and his interest in pursuing other opportunities had surfaced in recent months.
While the exact reason for his departure has not been fully disclosed, sources close to the program suggest that Franklin may have been looking for a new challenge or a change in his career direction. The Penn State athletic department is expected to release a formal statement in the coming hours, addressing the next steps in the coaching search and providing more clarity on the future of the program.
Franklin’s resignation is likely to spark widespread speculation about his next move, with several high-profile programs possibly eyeing him for their own head coaching vacancies. For now, the Penn State Nittany Lions are left to navigate an uncertain future without one of their most successful and well-regarded leaders in recent history.