Penn State Coach James Franklin Eyes Big Payoff in Big Ten Championship
As Penn State prepares to face Oregon in the Big Ten championship, significant stakes lie ahead for head coach James Franklin. In 2021, Franklin signed a lucrative 10-year contract worth $8.5 million annually, placing him among college football’s highest-paid coaches. His contract includes performance-based bonuses, with a victory in the championship affording him an additional $350,000.
Franklin’s financial windfall is assured, as he secured a $250,000 bonus just for leading the Nittany Lions to the Big Ten title game. This development follows Michigan’s unexpected upset of Ohio State, which allowed Penn State to clinch its spot by defeating Maryland.
Beyond the monetary incentives, Franklin’s tenure is on the line as he seeks to improve his dismal 1-13 record against top-five teams. Historically, Penn State has not triumphed over a No. 1 ranked opponent since 1990 and overcoming Oregon could significantly reshape the narrative surrounding Franklin and the program.
Moreover, a victory could propel the Nittany Lions into a favorable position for the College Football Playoff (CFP). Penn State stands to earn a first-round bye into the playoff quarterfinals with a win, potentially securing the No. 1 overall seed. Regardless of the outcome in Indianapolis, the Nittany Lions are likely to make the 12-team field, which would trigger additional incentives for Franklin.
His contract stipulates bonuses for CFP achievements, including $400,000 for reaching the four-team playoff, $500,000 for finishing as runner-up, and $800,000 for winning the national championship. As the clock ticks down to game time, both team and coach are poised for a defining moment that could alter their fortunes for years to come.
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