Even though Penn State has a coach right now in Bill O’Brien, it is believed that he will be taking one of the NFL openings very shortly. Penn State may already have a top target according to Penn Live:
Atop that list is Vanderbilt coach James Franklin, according to knowledgeable sources within the program. Franklin is the young, vibrant head coach at Vanderbilt who carries strong Pennsylvania ties through his upbringing in the Philadelphia suburb of Langhorne, high school at Neshaminy and his college playing career as East Stroudsburg University’s quarterback (1991-94).
Not only are PSU’s moneymen intrigued with his resume, athletic director Dave Joyner has direct knowledge of Franklin through family members and third parties who are very impressed with him.
I believe it is time for James Franklin to move on to a big time job from Vanderbilt. He has done an admirable job at Vandy going 23-15 in his three years there. However, his window will only remain open so long so it might be best to strike will his stock is still high.