Penn State, James Franklin agree to 6-year extension

James Franklin is cashing in.

Last year's Big Ten championship season clearly impressed those in charge at Penn State, as the university announced Friday that it has agreed to a six-year contract extension with Franklin.

"James and his staff have done an exceptional job with our football student-athletes and in all aspects of the football program," Penn State athletic director Sandy Barbour said in a statement.

"His values are Penn State's values and they resonate throughout every member of the organization and team he has built. James is a tremendous leader of young men, motivating them to extend their reach and impact far beyond what they might have thought possible on the field, in the classroom and community. We are excited about continuing to work together to strive to make a lifetime of impact, win championships and celebrate many successes on and off the field along the way."

The university released the details of Franklin's contract with total salary starting at $4.3 million in 2017 and rising to $6.25 million in 2022, the final year of the deal.

Franklin expressed his appreciation for the deal following the announcement, as well as his excitement to continue building the best possible culture within the program.

"My family and I are very thankful to be a part of the Penn State community," Franklin said. "I am pleased with the progress our program has made in the community, in the classroom and on the field. I look forward to diligently working with President Barron and Director of Athletics Sandy Barbour on implementing a plan that puts our University and our student-athletes in the best position to compete on the field and in life."

Franklin is set to enter his fourth season with the Nittany Lions, having turned back-to-back 7-6 campaigns into a remarkable 11-3 season last year that resulted in the school's second outright Big Ten title since 1994.