Penn State head coach James Franklin has been linked to the USC job opening this season, and now he’s being linked to the LSU job that will open with current coach Ed Orgeron out at the end of the season.
According to SportsLine oddsmakers, Franklin is the odds on favorite to land with the Tigers next season, holding +400 odds.
Via SportsLine oddsmakers:
Who is next LSU football coach?
J. Franklin +400
L. Kiffin +500
M. Tucker +500
Jimbo +700
Napier +800
Aranda +900
Fickell +1000
M. Stoops +1100
J. Brady +1200
Cristobal +1400
B. Stoops +1500
B. O’Brien +1700
H. Freeze +2000https://t.co/rINZswBkkX— SportsLine (@SportsLine) October 19, 2021
It seems that Franklin is linked to major jobs every offseason, but with USC and LSU having openings this season, his name has been even hotter than usual. LSU is just two seasons removed from a national championship and with Franklin’s SEC roots, it could be a tempting offer.
However, Franklin’s 2022 recruiting class, now featuring the top quarterback in the nation according to 247Sports, will likely be a key factor in the decision to stay in State College.
Franklin appears likely to continue his reign as the Nittany Lions head coach, but oddsmakers feel like he’s a good fit for LSU. Ole Miss’s Lane Kiffin and Michigan State’s Mel Tucker both hold +500 odds, sitting just behind Franklin. Texas A&M’s Jimbo Fisher, Louisiana-Lafayette’s Billy Napier and Baylor’s Dave Aranda complete the top five candidates from Sports Line.
It’s going to be a very, very busy couple of months for the Lions on and off the field moving forward, and it all starts on Saturday against Illinois.
