Head coach James Franklin is being rewarded in a big way for turning around the Penn State football program, as it was announced Friday afternoon that the fourth-year coach agreed to a six-year extension worth $5.73 million a year.
Franklin, who succeeded Bill O’Brien in attempting to rejuvenate a program still recovering from the Jerry Sandusky scandal, tallied a 7-6 record in both of his first two seasons. At the start, 2016 looked to be more of the same as the Nittany Lions started 2-2 but then rattled off nine straight wins en route to a Big Ten Championship victory and appearance in the Rose Bowl. PSU squandered a 4th quarter lead to USC in a 52-49 loss but fans were ultimately pleased with the team’s overall performance, tremendously exceeding expectations.
Now, the reigning Big Ten Coach of the Year will be joined by returning Heisman hopefuls QB Trace McSorley and Saquon Barkley as the preseason #6 Nittany Lions look to compete for another Big Ten title and possibly a national championship. Franklin and PSU are picked to finish second in their conference behind Ohio State, who they beat 24-21 in Happy Valley last year. Franklin also boasts the No. 3 recruiting class nationally for the class of 2018.
Penn State opens their season at home on September 2nd against Akron.
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