Penn State head coach James Franklin reacts during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Washington on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reagor)
STATE UNIVERSITY — The Penn State Board of Regents on Friday approved an amendment to James Franklin’s contract.
The Equity and Personnel Committee made the revisions in light of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, in which the fourth-place Nittany Lions (10-1) are expected to compete this year.
Penn State has not released new incentive details for Franklin’s contract, which runs from 2021 to 2031.
“The Equity and Personnel Committee unanimously voted to amend the performance incentive provisions in Coach James Franklin’s contract.” A Pennsylvania State spokesperson said in a statement. “This change takes into account the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format starting this year compared to the previous four-team, single-elimination CFP format from 2014 to 2023.”
SI.com’s Mark Wogenrich first reported this story.
Frankin’s contract is worth $85 million and includes additional performance incentives of up to $1 million per year.
Previous incentives include $800,000 for winning the CFP Championship Game, $500,000 for advancing to the title game, $400,000 for advancing to the four-team College Football Playoff, $350,000 for winning the Big Ten Title Game; Includes $300,000 for advancing to the New Year’s Six Bowl, and $200,000. Because we reached another bowl game.
The Lions could advance to this year’s Big Ten championship game if they beat Maryland today and Michigan beats Ohio State.
Otherwise, Ohio State will play Oregon State for the Big Ten title.
In the College Football Playoff, Penn State could play up to four postseason games, including the national championship game scheduled for Jan. 20 in Atlanta.
The Lions are in position to host a CFP first round match on either Friday, Dec. 20 or Saturday, Dec. 21. The CFP quarterfinals will be held at the Bowl venue from December 31st to January 21st. 1st place, and the semi-finals are scheduled for January 9th and 10th.
Franklin, 52, is in his 11th season at Penn State and has a record of 98-40.
