John Donovan Fired by Penn State: Latest Comments and Reaction

The Penn State Nittany Lions fired offensive coordinator and tight ends coach John Donovan Sunday, per Brent Yarina of BTN.com.

"I have tremendous respect for John and the work he has put in over the last five years," said Penn State head coach James Franklin, according to the report. "I wish him and his family nothing but the best in the future."

The news comes as little surprise, given the issues that have plagued the Nittany Lions offense this year. According to ESPN.com, the team ranks 108th in yards per game (344.3) and 100th in points per game (23.7).

Penn State has completely wasted what is likely to be Christian Hackenberg's final college season. The offensive line has allowed the ninth-most sacks (39) in the country.

Matt Lombardo of NJ Advance Media was happy to see Franklin take decisive action after a generally disappointing season:

CBS Sports' Tom Fornelli isn't so sure Donovan's departure will spur an offensive improvement, however.

Donovan was Franklin's offensive coordinator at Vanderbilt, and Chris Dokish of Panther's Prey noted how the Commodores were far from an offensive juggernaut as well:

Whoever replaces Donovan will have a difficult job next year, especially if Hackenberg leaves for the NFL.

The cupboard isn't completely bare. Leading rusher Saquon Barkley is a freshman, while the team's top two wideouts, Chris Godwin and DaeSean Hamilton, are both sophomores.

Still, breaking in a new quarterback is rarely an easy process, and the absence of a consistent passer would put the new coordinator at a major disadvantage.