It appears that the Penn State coaching search has reached its end. After many twists and turns, Penn State Athletics announced that a “major announcement” will be made Saturday at 4:15 p.m.
#PennState President Rodney Erickson and Director of Athletics Dave Joyner will make a major announcement Saturday at 4:15 p.m. #WeAre
— Penn State Athletics (@GoPSUsports1) January 10, 2014
I think we can assume at this point, despite a late push from Vanderbilt, coach James Franklin will be introduced as the 16th head coach in Penn State football history. Multiple outlets have reported that Franklin is the man, and ESPN’s Brett McMurphy is reporting that Franklin will receive a whopping $4.5 million per year. That figure would make him the second-highest paid coach in the Big Ten, behind Ohio State’s Urban Meyer. While at Penn State, Bill O’Brien made $3.8 million.
James Franklin expected to receive contract worth up to $4.5M/year at Penn State, source told @ESPN. Bill O'Brien made $3.82M — Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyESPN) January 10, 2014
McMurphy also reported that Franklin’s contract will be finalized Saturday morning at a special Board of Trustees compensation committee meeting.
A pair of four-star Penn State verbal commits who had been up in the air to stick with the school after O’Brien left appear to be on board with the apparent Franklin hire. Both wide receiver De'Andre Thompkins and quarterback Michael O’Connor will reportedly enroll early as planned.
#UAAllAmerican WR DeAndre Thompkins on his way to PSU to enroll, per coach. http://t.co/DYvA6vsxxb via @247Sports
— Sean Fitz (@seanfitz247) January 10, 2014
So to clarify, O'Connor is on his way to PSU now. He will technically visit with new coaches tomorrow, then decide. Looks probable. — Ryan Snyder (@RivalsSnyder) January 10, 2014
Franklin recently completed his third season at Vanderbilt with a 41-24 win over Houston in the BBVA Compass Bowl. In three seasons at the helm in Nashville, Franklin had a 24-15 record and led the Commodores to three straight bowl games. Prior to Franklin’s hire, the team had been to four bowl games in school history.
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