The UCLA Bruins made headlines by defeating No. 7 Penn State 42-37 at the Rose Bowl. This victory was particularly significant as it marked the first time an 0-4 team had beaten a top-10 opponent in 40 years. The game saw UCLA under the leadership of interim coaches, including a defensive coordinator and offensive coordinator.
Impact on James Franklin’s Future
This loss has raised questions about the future of Penn State’s head coach, James Franklin. During the game, fans began chanting for his dismissal, particularly in the fourth quarter of Penn State’s previous match against Oregon, known as the White Out game.
Contract Details
James Franklin signed a 10-year contract with Penn State on November 23, 2021, which pays him a base salary of $8 million annually. Effective January 1, 2022, the contract also includes a $500,000 retention bonus each year. If the university opts to terminate his contract without cause, Franklin would be entitled to significant compensation.
- Base Salary: $500,000
- Supplemental Pay: $6.5 million
- Life Insurance Loan: $1 million
- Total Per Year: $8 million
With seven years remaining on the contract—he is in the fourth year out of ten—merely terminating Franklin would cost Penn State around $56 million. If they wait until January 1, 2026, that figure drops to approximately $48 million.
Incentives and Contract Amendments
In addition to his base salary, Franklin has accrued $2.75 million in incentives linked to College Football Playoff appearances and bowl games. These terms were part of an amendment made to his contract last summer, which aligns with the upcoming 12-team College Football Playoff format. However, the university has not disclosed the full details of these amendments.
Franklin’s Coaching Record
James Franklin joined Penn State in 2014 after coaching at Vanderbilt. He has since achieved a 104-44 record with the Nittany Lions. His tenure includes winning the 2016 Big Ten Championship and participating in four New Year’s Six bowl games, finishing with a 2-2 record. Last season, the team narrowly missed the national championship, losing in the Orange Bowl to Notre Dame.
The recent loss to UCLA is viewed as a damaging setback, especially with expectations for a national title push in 2025. This incident intensifies scrutiny on Franklin’s future and raises the question of whether Penn State can afford to part ways with him amidst the fans’ growing dissent.
