James Franklin receives six-year extension from Penn State

By George Stockburger | Aug 18, 2017

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 03: James Franklin, head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions, celebrates with the Big Ten Championship trophy after Penn State beat the Wisconsin Badgers 38-31 at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 3, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

James Franklin has led Penn State from the darkest of days back into college football supremacy

Penn State has reportedly approved a six-year contract extension with an annual average value of $5.8 million according to Bruce Feldman of Fox Sports. The deal also includes a $2 million buyout after this season.

Franklin enters his fourth year with the Nittany Lions after shocking college football with a Big Ten Championship and an impressive performance in the Rose Bowl against USC.

A recipient of major criticism from the Penn State faithful, Franklin has turned the tides in Happy Valley. Taking over for Bill O’Brien three years removed from the Jerry Sandusky scandal, Franklin was under immense pressure after finishing 7-6 in his first two years after leaving Vanderbilt.

SOURCES: James Franklin’s new deal approved w/ #PennState is for 6 YRs at an average of $5.8 million per. His buyout is $2 million this year
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) August 18, 2017

With an arsenal of scholarships under his belt, Franklin is leading some of the top recruiting classes onto campus in State College. Franklin could possibly be the best recruiter in the country, getting four and five-star players despite the program’s recent turmoil.

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The addition of former Fordham head coach Joe Moorhead as offensive coordinator has rejuvenated the Penn State offense that was strangled by former OC John Donavan.

His signature win against Ohio State that led to a White Out pouring onto the field at Beaver Stadium led to an outpouring of support and left the Nittany Lions on the edge of the college football playoffs.

Returning with nearly every starter from the Big Ten Championship, including Heisman candidates Saquon Barkley and Trace McSorley, the Nittany Lions are preparing for another run at the National Championship. Franklin has downplayed the public expectations and reminded everyone that last year was just that.

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Franklin must keep promoting his hard nose work ethic and keep the Nittany Lions in the national spotlight. He’s done a terrific job recruiting and keeping the focus on whatever game is next on the schedule, constantly texting the entire team the name of the next team on their schedule.

Few fan bases are ready for a playoff run like Penn State’s, and if Franklin doesn’t secure that dream soon, his name will return to the hot seat. For now, he can continue to focus on Akron.