STATE COLLEGE– James Franklin– like pretty much any college football coach not named Nick Saban or Dabo Swinney– has had his future discussed and debated by plenty of fans and media members.
In particular, the letters “USC” have been associated with Penn State’s current head coach since before the job was even available. In the months since Clay Helton’s dismissal, the rumors of Franklin leaving Central PA for California Love have only intensified.
In some eyes, Franklin hasn’t helped the matter by seeming to dance around the subject whenever asked about his future. This past Wednesday, however, Franklin seemed pretty clear about his status when speaking at Penn State’s quarterback’s club. “I’m not going anywhere,” were his words.
When asked about that line after Saturday’s 28-0 Senior Day win over Rutgers at Beaver Stadium, Franklin didn’t directly answer the question but hinted that he’d be happy to elaborate at his weekly press conference in just a few days.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.“I’d like to talk about Rutgers,” Franklin said. “I made that statement because I thought something was going to happen a little bit sooner.”
The “something” that Franklin thought “was going to happen a little bit sooner” could well be a new contract. On the heels of Michigan State extending its head coach, Mel Tucker, to a 10-year, $95 million deal earlier in the week. Franklin’s current contract runs through 2025, and it’s a six-year deal that guarantees $35 million.
“Tuesday, we can talk about that as much as you guys want to talk about that,” Franklin said. “I’d like to talk about Rutgers. I get it, and I understand the questions. I’ve tried to tell you guys before; these things are much more complicated than just a simple yes- and no-answers and with me. I just am always trying to be as transparent as possible and tell you guys what I know and when I say something, it’s going to happen. If we could wait until Tuesday, I’d appreciate it.”
