Where will Penn State’s James Franklin coach next year?
By Evan Smith
L.J. Santa Maria (Football writer)
The rumors are growing louder around James Franklin potentially darting off to LSU or USC this offseason, and he only has himself to blame for that.
Franklin’s stubborn unwillingness to just flat out say he is going to be staying put in Happy Valley leads to such rampant speculation.
We reported last week that sources told FanSided that LSU was intent on making a minority hire for their head coaching vacancy and Franklin was atop their list of potential candidates.
LSU is certainly on a shortlist of programs that would be considered a better job, and a place where Franklin would get all the financial support he seems to be struggling to get at Penn State.
In Wednesday’s post-practice media session, Franklin said he is “fiercely loyal” to Penn State Football, but there are many “moving parts”.
To me, this feels like Franklin trying to strong-arm the administration and the powers that be in State College, an ultimatum almost. He is trying to gain enough leverage so the administration knows he can get elsewhere and will even have options if he is not given what he wants to stay put.
Those requests are likely upgraded facilities, stadium upgrades, and more money for assistants, etc.
Despite how the rest of this season goes, I think Franklin wins this blinking contest. Especially with a lame-duck AD and University President.
James Franklin will be the head coach of Penn State Football in 2022.