iStockphoto / © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Penn State swung and missed in its head coaching search as it looks for a new leader to guide the football program. Former coach James Franklin appeared to take joy in that whiff after being fired.
A curious dessert choice was made ahead of a signing day ceremony at his new stop, Virginia Tech. Was it strategic or simply coincidence?
Coincidental dessert choice at the #Hokies’ signing day ceremony put on today by James Franklin? pic.twitter.com/eQKPQ9CsbB
— Andy Bitter (@AndyBitterVT) December 3, 2025
Franklin coached Penn State for more than a decade, leading the program on a deep College Football Playoff run in 2024. Less than one year later, he was relieved of his duties.
The Nittany Lions were a game away from a national title appearance last January. Ten months later, the coach was out of a job amid a 3-3 start.
He’s since landed in Blacksburg with the Hokies. He still appears to be keeping up with his former employer.
James Franklin trolled Penn State.
It was reported that the Nittany Lions were targeting Kalani Sitake of BYU to replace Franklin. Despite interest in the opening, Sitake ultimately opted to stay in Provo.
It is believed that boosters stepped up to keep him put.
Penn State made an eight-figure offer to the coach. The Cougars countered with an extension. Along with that new deal came a deeper investment in the program as a whole.
BYU is committing $10 to $15 million of NIL on top of revenue sharing. New deal is currently expected to pay Sitake roughly $9 to $9.5 million annually over deal.
More money for assistant coaches was promised, as were facility enhancements and a stronger NIL pool.
“He’s built something really really special and we wanted to give him the resources to be able to sustain it,” said BYU athletic director Brian Santiago.
The additional resources made a difference. They may not have been possible without the help of donors.
Crumbl Cookies played a part.
Some people are not replaceable. Sounds like it is time for me to get off the sidelines and get to work.
— Jason McGowan (@jasonmcgowan) December 1, 2025
CEO Jason McGowan vowed to do his part in keeping Sitake in Provo. He was not the only one.
After learning of the coach’s decision, BYU fans began sending Crumbl Cookies to Penn State’s athletic offices. Now, it appears Franklin is getting in on the joke.
The Cougars were able to secure their future with a long-term deal for their head coach. The Nittany Lions still haven’t replaced their former leader.
Both BYU and Franklin have taken a victory lap after Penn State’s latest fumble.