Penn State Football: James Franklin's Contract Extension Raises Questions About the Future
Penn State Nittany Lions football coach James Franklin has signed a six-year, $35.4 million contract extension that will keep in him in Happy Valley through the 2028 season.
The deal, which was announced on Wednesday, includes a $1 million signing bonus and an annual salary of $5.9 million. Franklin's previous contract, which was set to expire after the 2025 season, paid him $5.5 million per year.
Franklin's new contract is the latest in a series of big-money deals for college football coaches. In recent years, coaches such as Nick Saban of Alabama, Kirby Smart of Georgia, and Ryan Day of Ohio State have all signed contracts worth more than $10 million per year.
The rising salaries of college football coaches have raised concerns about the financial sustainability of the sport. Some critics argue that the money being spent on coaching salaries is coming at the expense of other areas, such as academic support for student-athletes.
Franklin's contract extension is likely to put even more pressure on Penn State to compete for national championships. The Nittany Lions have not won a national title since 1986, and they have not played in the College Football Playoff since 2016.
Franklin has led Penn State to three Big Ten championships and a Rose Bowl victory during his seven seasons in Happy Valley. However, the Nittany Lions have also had some disappointing seasons under Franklin, including a 7-6 record in 2020.
It remains to be see whether Franklin can lead Penn State to the next level. However, his new contract shows that the university is committed to giving him the resources he needs to succeed.
Here are some of the key details of Franklin's new contract:
- Six-year, $35.4 million deal
- $1 million signing bonus
- $5.9 million annual salary
- Contract expires after the 2028 season
Here are some of the questions that Franklin's new contract raises:
- Can Franklin lead Penn State to a national championship?
- Is Franklin worth the money?
- Is the rising salaries of college football coaches sustainable?
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