Penn State alum Micah Parsons went to bat for his former coach, James Franklin, after he was fired on Sunday following three straight losses.
The Packers linebacker said he believes Franklin — who got a $49 million buyout — “deserved better” after 12 seasons in Happy Valley.
“Regardless of the situation at hand, this one doesn’t feel right to me! Coach deserved better!” Parsons wrote, “My self [sic] and countless others wouldn’t be where we are today without Coach! Thank you. #Weareforever!”
Parsons, who played two seasons for the Nittany Lions, was a 2019 consensus All-American under Franklin’s tutelage. He earned the Big Ten Linebacker of the Year award that year.
Franklin’s $49 million buyout is the second-biggest in college football history after former Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher’s $76 million buyout.
Penn State fired Franklin after a 22-21 loss to Northwestern at home on Saturday for their third straight loss after starting the season as the No. 2-ranked team in the nation.
The Nittany Lions lost their quarterback, Drew Allar, to a season-ending injury late in the fourth quarter on Saturday at Beaver Stadium.
LaVar Arrington, one of the greatest linebackers in PSU history, as well as former quarterback Trace McSorley, who Franklin hired this year as an assistant quarterbacks coach, also weighed in.
“Coach Franklin took on a daunting task when he became PSU’s head guy,” Arrington said on Instagram. “He did a job that most wouldn’t try or could do! I will be forever grateful for your service to our team and our program. I know your heart and I know you wanted the best for our team and our community. I wish you and your family well Coach.
“Life happens and sometimes we have hard things to endure,” Arrington continued. “Not everyone makes a difference along the way. You did and I’m grateful that We had you to guide us when times weren’t so good. From getting through one of the biggest scandals in college sports history to 1 play away from being in the national championship a year ago. You did well coach. Will always be here for you and always respect and love my guy!!! We Are!!!! We Are Better because of you!!”
McSorley thanked Franklin for having his back, both on and off the field.
“Coach, I really don’t have words to express my gratitude,” McSorley said. “You believed in me when others didn’t,” McSorley said. You pushed me to be the best player and man I could be. You were there for me at my highest and lowest points on and off the field.
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“You showed me what hard work, dedication, loyalty, and leadership looks like. I wouldn’t have wanted to play for anybody else in the world. It always starts with I love you and ends with I love you. Love you Coach!”
Franklin, 53, has an overall record of 104-45, tying him for the second-winningest coach in the history of Penn State football.
Associate head coach Terry Smith will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season, said Patrick Kraft, vice president for intercollegiate athletics, who will lead the national search for the next head coach.