Penn State head football coach James Franklin announced Sunday afternoon that offensive coordinator John Donovan has been releaved of his duties effective immediately.
“I have tremendous respect for John and the work he has put in over the last five years,” Franklin said in a release. “I wish him and his family nothing but the best in the future.”
A team source confirmed on Sunday that the team was informed at noon. Penn State typically practices Sundays.
Donovan spent the last five seasons on Franklin’s staff as offensive coordinator at Penn State (2 years) and Vanderbilt (3 years). He also spent 10 seasons at Maryland (2001-10), serving in several roles, including quarterbacks coach, running backs coach and assistant recruiting coordinator.
The Nittany Lions fell 55-16 to No. 5 ranked Michigan State on Saturday, producing over 400 yards of offense but continued to struggle in the redzone for the second straight week.
While technically Penn State had posted improved efficiency and production rating compared to the 2014 season, the Nittany Lions struggled in nearly every facet of the offensive game under Donovan, a mixture of play-calling issues coupled with the ongoing obstacles surrounding recently completed NCAA sanctions.
Penn State ends the regular season with the No. 82 rated passing attack and 106th rushing attack. There are 127 teams at the Division I level.
The program will immediately begin a nationwide search for Donovan’s replacement.
