James Franklin is the new head coach at Penn State. (Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports)
James Franklin is happy to be home.
Penn State introduced Franklin as its new head coach in a press conference in State College, Pa., on Saturday.
Franklin, 41, a Pennsylvania native, spent the last three seasons as Vanderbilt’s coach. The Commodores went 24-15 under Franklin, including 18-8 the past two seasons and 9-5 in their last 14 SEC contests.
The school did not release details of Franklin’s contract but CBS Sports was first to report that it is for six years and worth more than $27 million.
Franklin replaces Bill O’Brien, who left after two seasons to coach the NFL’s Houston Texans. Penn State went 15-9 under O’Brien. The Nittany Lions rebounded quickly under O’Brien after the Jerry Sandusky child sex-abuse scandal.
Franklin wants to continue building off what O’Brien accomplished, saying he will emphasize recruiting. Unlike O’Brien, Franklin said he is “a college guy” and has no designs on the NFL. He called Penn State his dream job.
Before coming to Vanderbilt, Franklin spent five seasons as offensive coordinator at Maryland and Kansas State. He started his coaching career as wide receivers coach at Division II Kutztown (Pa.) University in 1995.
—Missouri wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham was arrested on drug charges and released, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.
Green-Beckham was charged with distribution, delivery and manufacture or production of a controlled substance and later released from Greene County (Mo.) Jail, according to the Springfield Police Department.
Police said they will not comment further until Monday.
Green-Beckham, a sophomore, was among three players charged with marijuana possession in October 2012. He was suspended for one game.
He made 59 catches for 883 yards with 12 touchdowns in 2013.
