Franklin again shows he'll unabashedly cut lose underperforming coaches

James Franklin.ALTOONA, Pa. -- The word ruthless is really too strong. It means showing "no pity or compassion for others," and that's not entirely accurate.

James Franklin does care about his assistant coaches -- as people. He wants them to have enriched, fulfilling lives.

But they had damn well better do their jobs at an extremely high level. Or else they're going to be gone.

Franklin has proven over the years that he is willing to make the kind of sudden, surprising coaching changes that are necessary for Penn State to compete at the highest level. He made another one Sunday when he fired wide receivers coach Taylor Stubblefield, coming off an 11-2 season and Rose Bowl victory.

Stubblefield…