Penn State Announces 10-Year Contract Extension for James Franklin
James Franklin will be staying in Happy Valley through at least 2031, as he and Penn State agreed to a new 10-year deal, the university announced at 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
The announcement comes after a Franklin press conference just a few hours earlier in which the head coach said he was not able to discuss his future with the team at the current time.
“Penn State’s future is bright, and I’m honored to continue serving as your head football coach,” Franklin said.
Penn State currently boasts the fifth-highest-rated recruiting class for 2022.
Franklin mentioned that talks of a long-term deal began nine weeks ago between himself and Penn State administration.
“I’m excited we’ve reached an agreement I can finally share with you,” Franklin said.
Penn State President Eric J. Barron said he was happy to announce the extension.
“As head coach, James continues to build the Nittany Lion football program even while navigating a number of exceptional challenges, including COVID-19 and a shift in amateurism rules in college sports,” Barron said.
Saturday will mark Franklin’s 100th game coached at Penn State when he and his team head to East Lansing to face Michigan State.
Franklin, who’s in his eighth season with the Nittany Lions, has a 67-32 record as the head coach.
His .677 winning percentage is sixth-highest in program history, below some of Penn State’s most notable coaches in program history like Rip Engle and Joe Paterno.
After deciding to opt his program out of postseason play in 2020, Franklin will coach his eighth bowl game with Penn State after the team finds out its destination on Dec. 5.
Franklin will make $7.5 million a year throughout the life of his contract through base salary and supplemental pay with incentives littered throughout for winning the Big Ten championship, making the College Football Playoff and winning the national title.
Jack McCune is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jxm1237@psu.edu.
