Vanderbilt AD expects to keep James Franklin, Penn State AD says they will have a coach ‘in a matter of days’
As Tuesday afternoon progresses and more reports linking Vanderbilt coach James Franklin to the Penn State opening come out, the athletic directors of each school have issued statements.
Vanderbilt’s David Williams told CBS’s Jeremy Fowler that he plans to do all he can to make sure Franklin stays in Nashville, while Penn State’s David Joyner simply offered an update on the Nittany Lions’ ongoing search.
Williams said that he spoke with Franklin twice on Monday and that “a potential offer from Penn State was not part of the conversation.” Instead the two spoke about the mid-year recruits coming to the school. The report also said that Williams is expecting to re-structure Franklin's deal.
When asked about Franklin re-upping contractually to stay at Vanderbilt -- which has revised Franklin's deal in each of his first two offseasons there -- Williams said he's expecting as much.
"I expect James to be our football coach. I'm planning on it," Williams said. "We're looking at facilities. We're working on some stuff. I have all thoughts that he's going to be our football coach. I'll do everything I can to make sure that he is."
Franklin, who took part in ESPN’s national championship game coverage in Pasadena on Monday, has posted back-to-back 9-4 seasons at Vanderbilt.
Meanwhile, Joyner said that Penn State’s search is “progressing very well.”
“We are on schedule and I anticipate having the new head coach in place in a matter of days. The search is robust as we anticipated it would be and we have an excellent pool of candidates. I have heard from many coaches, or their representatives, who have expressed their interest in the position,” Joyner said.
While Penn State has reportedly zeroed in on Franklin as their top target, the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Browns of the NFL have also reportedly requested permission to interview Franklin.
Vanderbilt HC James Franklin, who interviewed for Texans HC job two weeks ago, has gotten requests to interview with Redskins and Browns.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 4, 2014
It certainly looks like a brewing situation to keep an eye on, especially with Joyner saying that Penn State expects to have a coach in place "in a matter of days."
- - -
Want to join the conversation? Hit us up on Twitter @YahooDrSaturday be sure to "Like" Dr. Saturday on Facebook for football conversations and stuff you won't see on the blog.
