Penn State, Franklin 'trying to get to the right place' on extension

CHICAGO -- The head coach of the reigning Big Ten champion Nittany Lions, James Franklin, is entering the fourth season of a six-year contract and talks between the two parties have yet to result in an extension.

"We continue to talk," athletic director Sandy Barbour said Tuesday. "I can guarantee you this we're 100 percent committed to James and James is 100 percent committed to Penn State. We're trying to get to the right place. Sometimes it can be complicated but I have no concern about us getting there. It's just probably going to take longer than any of us thought."

After leading Penn State to a Rose Bowl berth last season, all signs pointed to an extension. Yet, as January rolled to February and another top-25 recruiting class was inked, no extension came. Franklin is represented by agent Trace Armstrong and the football coach is the latest Penn State coach whose contract has been a hot talking point in the offseason.



Wrestling coach Cael Sanderson agreed to a new long-term deal within the past week, Barbour said on Tuesday. Details of Sanderson's contract were not announced and Penn State isn't required to announce hirings and extensions beyond those of the men's basketball, women's basketball, head football coach and athletic director. So, if and when Franklin and Penn State come to terms on an agreement, there certainly will be an announcement.

Barbour wouldn't elaborate on any sticking points in the negotiations.

"We're really happy for James because this is what he's made of," Barbour said. "I think he's a perfect fit for Penn State and our values around academics, around community, around student development and lastly and certainly not least around winning and excellence from a football perspective."