One college football team's pursuit of James Franklin as the program's next coach just got a bit more complicated. Find out the latest college football coaching carousel rumors.

James Franklin and Penn State ’s 3-3 start through the first six games of the 2025 season led to his firing, ending a 12-year stint in Happy Valley. Despite Franklin’s 104-45 record at the helm, Penn State decided to pay what equates to the third-highest buyout in college football history at $49 million, according to CBS.

Former Penn State head coach James Franklin was linked to Auburn and Florida State amid rumors of Virginia Tech's interest.

Following the decision made by Auburn Athletic Director John Cohen, Freeze shared his final thoughts on his time on the Plains and sent a farewell message to fans and players on X. “As I reflect on my time here at Auburn,