Penn State's James Franklin Ranks 11th on Coaching Salaries List
Penn State's James Franklin is the second-highest paid active coach in the Big Ten Conference, according to USA Today, which released its annual database of college football coaching salaries Tuesday. Franklin ranks No. 11 nationally, about $500,000 outside of the top 10.
Franklin makes $8.5 million per year in total guaranteed compensation that includes a $500,000 annual retention bonus and a $1 million annual loan for life insurance. The Penn State coach also can make up to $1 million per year in incentives, which includes $800,000 for winning the College Football Playoff national championship.
Penn State's James Franklin ranks 11th nationally among the highest-paid college football coaches, according to USA Today.
Dan Rainville/USA Today Sports
According to the USA Today database, Franklin ranks No. 2 in Big Ten compensation behind Ohio State's Ryan Day ($10.3 million). Former Michigan State coach Mel Tucker had been No. 2 at more than $10 million per year. Michigan State fired Tucker in late September. Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh ranks 12th nationally ($8.25 million) behind Franklin, followed by Wisconsin first-year head coach Luke Fickell ($7.6 million).
Penn State and Franklin agreed to a new contract in November 2021 that guaranteed Franklin $70 million over 10 seasons before the retention bonus and life insurance loan. Among the incentives Franklin can earn are $500,000 for reaching the College Football Playoff championship game, $400,000 for reaching the playoff and $350,000 for winning the Big Ten title.
More on Penn State
Where is Penn State headed after its 5-0 start?
The Penn State-Northwestern report card
Penn State 41, Northwestern 13: Breakdown from Evanston
Takeaways from Penn State's 41-13 win over Northwestern
An Ivy League kicker embraces his new role at Penn State
Why the Lions' defense feels 'unstoppable'
AllPennState is the place for Penn State news, opinion and perspective on the SI.com network. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, tracking three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles and a catalog of great stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich. And consider subscribing (button's on the home page) for more great content across the SI.com network.
