NFL reporter gives hot take on James Franklin extension, calls on Big Ten powerhouse to follow suit
Sports Illustrated NFL reporter Albert Breer saw the latest on James Franklin’s contract extension at Penn State and thought one thing: it’s time for Ohio State to pay up, ensuring that Ryan Day stays at the helm for a long time to come.
Penn State on Tuesday ensured that Franklin stays in Happy Valley, thanks to an announcement that the Nittany Lions head coach has signed a 10-year contract extension, which holds him at Penn State until 2031. Franklin received a sizable pay bump, too, and his contract includes guaranteed money that trails only Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M among public-school coaches.
Breer’s response? Ohio State better get ready to pay Ryan Day, because it won’t be cheap to keep him in Columbus.
Day, 41, agreed to a contract extension in February that keeps him at Ohio State through the 2026 season. His salary sits just around the $6 million annual range, which is now less than fellow a Big Ten counterpart in Franklin — who’s done far less in his time at Penn State.
James Franklin, Penn State agree to contract extension
In his eighth year with Penn State, Franklin has become a main character in an unprecedented coaching carousel. Two SEC jobs opened up before Thanksgiving and USC fired its head coach after just two games.
“Penn State’s future is bright, and I’m honored to continue to serve as your head football coach,” Franklin said in a university press release. “Nine weeks ago, the administration approached me about making a long-term investment in our football program. This prompted numerous conversations outlining the resources needed to be competitive at a level that matches the expectations and history of Penn State. What’s most evident from those conversations is the importance of our student-athletes’ success both on and off the field.
And despite a disappointing season — Penn State is 7-4 — Franklin’s name has been on the shortlist for many of the top jobs. There have been times this season when the fan base and head coach has seemed at odds, but with a top-10 overall recruiting class coming in, the Nittany Lions believe they have the coach that can have them winning Big Ten titles.
Franklin has won one conference title, back in 2016 when he took Penn State to the Rose Bowl. His overall record is 67-32, with a 42-27 mark in Big Ten play.
But the Nittany Lions have never made the College Football Playoff in his tenure. The closest they came to making the playoff was in 2019, when they climbed to No. 4 in Week 10. Penn State fell out of the postseason picture the following week, however, falling on the road to Minnesota.
And while Franklin has found plenty of success, he has struggled in to truly challenge Ohio State in the Big Ten East. Since defeating then-No. 2 Ohio State in Beaver Stadium in 2016, the Nittany Lions have dropped five straight to their division rival.
Under Franklin, Penn State is 7-16 in games against Ohio State, Michigan and Michigan State. The Nittany Lions travel to Michigan State on Saturday for the Land Grant Trophy.