Penn State head coach James Franklin had some words for fans during the team’s annual spring game on Saturday.
Video captured by an attendee showed Franklin arguing with someone in the stands. The topic is unclear, but Franklin seems to be urging the individual to come speak to him after the game.
“I’d be happy to talk to you about it. If you want to come talk to me after the game, I’m happy to talk to you,” Franklin is heard saying at one point.
According to the individual who shared the video, Franklin was upset because the fan in question called him a “fraud.”
A fan called coach Franklin a fraud
— . (@t1nkerzz) April 27, 2025
Franklin has made it something of a habit to respond to hecklers. He did it after the Nittany Lions lost a home game to Ohio State last season, too. So far, Franklin has kept his cool in these interactions and has avoided being disrespectful, but one has to figure there are better things he could be doing than engaging with them in the first place.
Some parts of the Penn State fanbase are still frustrated with Franklin, even though the team reached the College Football Playoff semi-final last season. He has often been criticized for some controversial in-game decisions, and had a reputation for being unable to win big games against prominent Big Ten foes like Michigan and Ohio State. Wins over SMU and Boise State in the playoff last season do not seem to have shaken that reputation, especially since some of his comments might have contributed to Penn State’s eventual defeat against Notre Dame.
Franklin is 101-42 in his Penn State career, but Nittany Lions fans want a team that will consistently contend for championships. If Franklin can start doing that, the naysayers will get quiet, but they will probably keep talking as long as he continues to engage them.
