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James Franklin Is Getting PAID To Stay At Penn State And College Football Fans Had Jokes

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James Franklin Internet Reacts Contract Extension Penn State 10 Years

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James Franklin has gone 22-11 over the least three seasons as the head coach of Penn State football and 67–32 since he was hired in 2014. And now he will have another decade to add to that record.

Franklin, who was linked to quite a few of the top Power Five college football openings this season, agreed to a 10-year extension with the Nittany Lions program on Tuesday. He gave a definitive statement that he would be staying in Happy Valley last week and doubled down on Saturday.

As it would turn out, he is keeping his word.

Per the new contract agreement, Franklin will make at least $7.5 million annually (salary + retention bonus), as well as an annual $1 million loan for life insurance. He can earn more money based on his team’s performance.

His bonuses include $800,00 for winning a national championship, $500,000 for making a national championship, and $200,000 for making any bowl game, among others. Here is full breakdown of Franklin’s contract extension:

Franklin’s deal makes him the fifth-highest paid head coach in college football along with Texas A&M’s Jimbo Fisher. Only Nick Saban, David Shaw, Dabo Swinney and Lincoln Riley are ahead of them. Previously, Dan Mullen and Ed Orgeron were also making more than the $7.5 million salary. but they have since been fired.

Perhaps most importantly for Penn State, a buyout for Franklin to leave starts at $12 million through April 2022. Thus, for another school to poach him would be expensive.

In response to the announcement, the internet had jokes, anger and joy.

Here are some of the best reactions to Franklin’s extension:

Congratulations to Penn State fans. Or, I’m sorry Penn State fans? I don’t know. That’s a lot of money and a lot of time.