Vanderbilt coach James Franklin has agreed to terms with Penn State to become the school’s head football coach.
*FOX Sports update: The contract of an unnamed coach, "likely will be approved during a special meeting Saturday," the Centre Daily Times reports citing a university source.
Over three seasons coaching the Commodores, Franklin, 41, compiled a 24-15 overall record and went 11-13 in the SEC. He also led the program to three consecutive bowl appearances, winning two of those games. Prior to his arrival in Nashville from the University of Maryland, the program suffered a 4-20 record and recorded only one win in the Southeastern Conference over two seasons.
Franklin’s coaching future was a hot topic before he agreed to coach the Nittany Lions. He reportedly interviewed with Texas and the Houston Texans of the National Football League, though the former has since brought on ex- Louisville coach Charlie Strong, while the Texans have signed former Penn State coach Bill O’Brien. Franklin reportedly received interest from the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and Washington Redskins as well.
While the Commodores’ 9-4 record this past season marked the first time in program history the program posted back-to-back nine-win campaigns, Franklin has also been credited as a guiding force behind the success of senior WR Jordan Matthews, the SEC’s all-time leader for receptions and yards.
Franklin will replace former head coach Bill O’Brien, who held the job for two years.