UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A new era for Penn State is on the horizon after the program officially parted ways with coach James Franklin after a 12-year tenure in Happy Valley.

In place of what has usually been Franklin’s weekly presser on Monday, both athletic director Pat Kraft and interim coach Terry Smith took to the podium to address what led to Franklin’s firing and what the future has in store for the Nittany Lions.

The ‘highest standards’

Kraft, in his own words, was completely aware and grateful for the “dignity” and “absolute class” with which Franklin represented Penn State in his time as coach of the program.

“Let me begin first by saying James Franklin is a tremendous man, husband, father, mentor to countless student-athletes and a good friend who has always carried himself wi

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