One Year In, Is James Franklin living up to the Contract Extension?

One year ago, James Franklin signed a ten-year contract extension. The early returns are promising for the future of the Penn State Football program.

On November 23, 2021, Penn State Football had just lost four of its last six games. Just when the confidence level of James Franklin was reaching all-time lows, Penn State made an announcement. James Franklin and Penn State University announced a 10-year contract extension worth over $75 million.

The contract extension meant one thing, Penn State was committed to James Franklin. Promptly following the extension, Penn State dropped the season finale to Michigan State and lost to Arkansas in an uninspired performance in a bowl game.

Once the 2021 season ended, albeit a disappointment, the momentum started for Penn State Football. Franklin hired Manny Diaz as the new Defensive Coordinator. Which has been the most successful hire of James Franklins’ tenure.

Stacy Collins was also brought in as the new Special Teams Coordinator. Collins has led to career years for Punter Barney Amor and long-time Nittany Lion Jake Pinegar.

The momentum didn’t stop with the Coordinator hires. In February, James Franklin secured a top-ten recruiting class for the 2022 cycle. As we have all learned, this recruiting class has been the most impactful one that Franklin has landed.

The 2022 class has had eight players burn their redshirt status and have made significant impacts in a wildly successful season. Penn State has been able to win while playing more true freshmen than we have ever seen during James Franklins’ tenure.

Penn State is looking at a 10-2 regular season record dead in the eyes. James Franklin has brought in the best Coordinators and recruits to turn his program around. In year one of the new contract, James Franklin exceeded expectations. Everyone criticizes the extension, but Coach Franklin has the program right where it needs to be.