Where will Penn State’s James Franklin coach next year?

Evan Smith — Basketball

I believe Franklin will replace Mike Tomlin as the next head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers … okay, probably not.

Here’s the thing, I don’t think Franklin wants to leave.

I think he knows what Penn State can be. But, frankly, he’s tired of being out-spent by the big schools. We’ve all seen data about how Penn State is at the top of athletic department revenue each year. But, what are they spending it on?

We all love Beaver Stadium, but outside of size, what recruiting tool is it? There’s nothing magnificent looking, either on the inside or from the outside. It’s old, cramped, and has little in terms of amenities.

Let’s move to the Lasch Football Complex … yes, it’s being improved as we speak, but today’s college football is an arms race. Until there is a barbershop and in-house restaurant in the building, Penn State will struggle to recruit the top of the top.  (I’m the basketball writer, remember … talk about failing in the arms race.)

Franklin’s salary is competitive, no doubt.

But, show me the seven-figure salary coordinator (like a Venebels from Clemson).

Joe Paterno taught the Penn State community (and more importantly administration) how to win with less. And he did a dang good job of it for a long time. But, Bill O’Brien tried telling us that can’t continue in today’s game. Franklin has said it, is saying it, and will continue to say it.

With Athletic Director Sandy Barbour on her way out, James Franklin is going to realize that he can shape the future of the athletic department.

Add in a potential number-one recruiting class?  He ain’t going anywhere.

Franklin can flirt with LSU and USC all he wants … and three seasons in, he’ll be fired without a conference championship.  He’s earned a longer leash here and he’ll be back to take advantage of that.