Helton is toast.....

[Hugh Laurie]

Not sure CJF would be chomping at the bit to move to a state where his state income tax bite goes from 3.07% to 12.3% plus an additional 1% mental health services tax on taxable incomes of $1 million or more, making California’s highest marginal rate 13.3 percent.

USC would also have to pony up maybe as much as $5M to buy out CJF's contract which runs through 2025. This could be problematic since the program's biggest financial booster B Wayne Hughes passed away last month and another Brian Kennedy has had a strained relationship with the program for the past several years.

 

[Wallace Breen]

I am not worried about Franklin loving. If he stays, great, we'll continue to recruit well, graduate players and win 8 to 10 games a year. If he leaves, we'll be closer to a national championship but the off the field side may take a hit.

 

[scrivener]

I think Edsall or Narduzzi get the USC job.

 

[AWS1022]

I am not worried about Franklin loving. If he stays, great, we'll continue to recruit well, graduate players and win 8 to 10 games a year. If he leaves, we'll be closer to a national championship but the off the field side may take a hit.

How do you know we would be closer to a national championship? Wouldn’t that depend on who we get unless you really think anybody is better than Franklin. What if they hire a “can’t miss” coach like Nebraska did? Or Michigan?

 

[LaJollaLion]

I am not worried about Franklin loving. If he stays, great, we'll continue to recruit well, graduate players and win 8 to 10 games a year. If he leaves, we'll be closer to a national championship but the off the field side may take a hit.

LOL, "we'll be closer to a MNC" based on absolutely nothing at all. What a joke. I love when brave men take the field of about 30 teams over 1 and act like they are posting anything intelligent at all.

 

[Beachwineguy]

LOL, "we'll be closer to a MNC" based on absolutely nothing at all. What a joke. I love when brave men take the field of about 30 teams over 1 and act like they are posting anything intelligent at all.

His next intelligent post will be his first.

 

[AWS1022]

Not sure CJF would be chomping at the bit to move to a state where his state income tax bite goes from 3.07% to 12.3% plus an additional 1% mental health services tax on taxable incomes of $1 million or more, making California’s highest marginal rate 13.3 percent.

USC would also have to pony up maybe as much as $30M to buy out CJF's contract which runs through 2025. This could be problematic since the program's biggest financial booster B Wayne Hughes passed away last month and another Brian Kennedy has had a strained relationship with the program for the past several years.

And when does a head coach of a successful top 15 type program leave to go to another program (not the NFL) without being fired or getting out before they get fired? I can’t think of an instance, but I may be forgetting someone. It rarely if ever happens.

 

[AWS1022]

LOL, "we'll be closer to a MNC" based on absolutely nothing at all. What a joke. I love when brave men take the field of about 30 teams over 1 and act like they are posting anything intelligent at all.

And he forgets about the recruits that would change their commitment and the players that would hit the portal setting us back years.

 

[Beachwineguy]

And when does a head coach of a successful top 15 type program leave to go to another program (not the NFL) without being fired or getting out before they get fired? I can’t think of an instance, but I may be forgetting someone. It rarely if ever happens.

Jimbo Fisher comes to mind.

 

[Midnighter2]

And when does a head coach of a successful top 15 type program leave to go to another program (not the NFL) without being fired or getting out before they get fired? I can’t think of an instance, but I may be forgetting someone. It rarely if ever happens.

Fisher leaving FSU for TAMU. Could argue Harbaugh had Stanford in a good place when he left (for the NFL). It’s rare but happens. I don’t see Franklin leaving unless someone comes up with a boatload of money. I used to think Texas would be a fit for him but not now - they’re gonna get murdered in the SEC.

 

[ThePennsyOracle]

You are correct, but my point still stands that SC won't have any issues opening up their pocketbook for whomever they want.

Yes they will. USC does not have nearly infinite resources like Texas, and doesn't have the resources of PSU. If they hire a coach for $5 million+ a year plus buyouts, they aren't going to be able to afford support staff and facilities.

Regardless, this isn't directed to you, but:

It is amusing to see people speak in absolutes on either side of the coin. I want Franklin to stay and I love the guy as head coach. But the reality is gameday coaching can leave something to be desired. To be clear, I don't want the guy gone and I'm not sure PSU could do "better." But it is important to face the reality that he could leave sooner than later while acknowledging the guy isn't Saban.

 

[RGWhirly]

I am not worried about Franklin loving. If he stays, great, we'll continue to recruit well, graduate players and win 8 to 10 games a year. If he leaves, we'll be closer to a national championship but the off the field side may take a hit.

If he leaves we will be closer to a national championship. Lol. Good lord you are a tool.

 

[Art]

Yes they will. USC does not have nearly infinite resources like Texas, and doesn't have the resources of PSU. If they hire a coach for $5 million+ a year plus buyouts, they aren't going to be able to afford support staff and facilities.

Regardless, this isn't directed to you, but:

It is amusing to see people speak in absolutes on either side of the coin. I want Franklin to stay and I love the guy as head coach. But the reality is gameday coaching can leave something to be desired. To be clear, I don't want the guy gone and I'm not sure PSU could do "better." But it is important to face the reality that he could leave sooner than later while acknowledging the guy isn't Saban.

Just to clarify, $5mm p.a. won't be enough to get Franklin to leave. And as for hitting up boosters, they're on the hook for the $315mm tab to renovate the Coliseum (which is part of the backstory to Helton's firing).. While that well might not be entirely dry, it's a good ways from overflowing.

 

[ThePennsyOracle]

Just to clarify, $5mm p.a. won't be enough to get Franklin to leave. And as for hitting up boosters, they're on the hook for the $315mm tab to renovate the Coliseum (which is part of the backstory to Helton's firing).. While that well might not be entirely dry, it's a good ways from overflowing.

Agreed--I just threw $5m out there to illustrate the point.

 

[Art]

Agreed--I just threw $5m out there to illustrate the point.

Understood, though I'm not sure how many other readers did.

While USC as an institution exudes cash, it's athletic department doesn't. Belief was that Swann and Haden would be able to rekindle the spark of "student body right" in the alumni and would loosen their grip on their bank accounts, it didn't entirely work out that way.

 

[MJG-90]

You are correct, but my point still stands that SC won't have any issues opening up their pocketbook for whomever they want.

Paying the coach is one thing. Then add in big money for assistant coaches and other staff. Then toss in a few facilities upgrades. PSU seems further along in those areas already. Plus the B1G pays out a lot more to each school. Maybe when USC joins the B1G. But I’m not saying it can’t be done. I just don’t see it at right now.

 

[ThePennsyOracle]

Understood, though I'm not sure how many other readers did.

While USC as an institution exudes cash, it's athletic department doesn't. Belief was that Swann and Haden would be able to rekindle the spark of "student body right" in the alumni and would loosen their grip on their bank accounts, it didn't entirely work out that way.

Exactly. Really, USC is a poster child for how "not" to run athletics. IMO, from the athletic department prospective, USC is much closer to FSU/Miami than other schools.

 

[psuro]

I don't want Franklin to leave because I cannot say with any certainty the next coach will be better (unlike the poster who feels we will be closer to an NC with CJF gone).

There just are not a lot of (IMHO) "big name" coaches or even coaches on the upswing that would be good for PSU.

That said, on the Four Letter last night, they had an interview with Keyshawn Johnson and the first name he threw out was CJF. He had other names as well, but CJF's was the first. No idea how much juice or inside knowledge he has, but it did seem odd he mentioned CJF (or I could just be paranoid).

He made a good point about the AD targeting their guy and then going after him and getting him. So maybe there is some truth that they have a guy in mind already. Just kinda hope it's not CJF.

 

[psupride1997]

It seems like CJF may be USC’s top target. And I think it’s going to be a huge distraction all season long.

 

[Midnighter2]

I don't want Franklin to leave because I cannot say with any certainty the next coach will be better (unlike the poster who feels we will be closer to an NC with CJF gone).

There just are not a lot of (IMHO) "big name" coaches or even coaches on the upswing that would be good for PSU.

That said, on the Four Letter last night, they had an interview with Keyshawn Johnson and the first name he threw out was CJF. He had other names as well, but CJF's was the first. No idea how much juice or inside knowledge he has, but it did seem odd he mentioned CJF (or I could just be paranoid).

He made a good point about the AD targeting their guy and then going after him and getting him. So maybe there is some truth that they have a guy in mind already. Just kinda hope it's not CJF.

Franklin ticks a lot of boxes for a program like USC; I think he could have success there much like he has had at Penn State (if not, you don't hear his name popping up with every big time coaching vacancy). Ultimately, it's a choice of whether the money is worth the lifestyle change, and how good CJF feels about the chances of success at USC. I'm sure it's a difficult choice, but as we've seen, money talks a lot of the time. CJF takes too much of it I'm afraid with his buyout; I think USC focuses on Fickell. But, if they wanted to get creative, maybe go for Eric Bieniemy - proven NFL OC ready to make the jump.

But, who knows? Maybe the allure of having Dr. Dre or Will Ferrell on the sideline along with a house on the beach is too much to ignore...

 

[PSUoh90]

If he leaves, we'll be closer to a national championship but the off the field side may take a hit.

I agree with this, assuming Saban or Dabo come running of course.

 

[psuro]

Franklin ticks a lot of boxes for a program like USC; I think he could have success there much like he has had at Penn State (if not, you don't hear his name popping up with every big time coaching vacancy). Ultimately, it's a choice of whether the money is worth the lifestyle change, and how good CJF feels about the chances of success at USC. I'm sure it's a difficult choice, but as we've seen, money talks a lot of the time. CJF takes too much of it I'm afraid with his buyout; I think USC focuses on Fickell. But, if they wanted to get creative, maybe go for Eric Bieniemy - proven NFL OC ready to make the jump.

But, who knows? Maybe the allure of having Dr. Dre or Will Ferrell on the sideline along with a house on the beach is too much to ignore...

I agree CJF ticks all the boxes - plus he is a minority coach in an industry that still does not have a lot of minority head coaches.

This whole "money/lifestyle choice" argument befuddles me. This is something that PSU fans bring up as if it's a make or break issue - I don't see it. If it were, then you would hear of a lot of other professions have the same issue. There are advantages and disadvantages to both places - just because a bunch of PSU fans was poetic over State College and Central Pa does not mean everyone does.

 

[Midnighter2]

Pat Forde's take FWIW (no idea what the numbers in parenthesis mean):

First call goes to Lincoln Riley (31). Does the Oklahoma coach really want to leave a conference he has dominated (the Big 12) for the sausage grinder that is the SEC? Especially after as many as four seasons of limbo that could hurt recruiting? In reality, if he’s dissatisfied with Oklahoma’s future path he’s more likely to go NFL. But I’d still make the call to the guy many consider the best offensive mind in the college game. Let him say no.

Next are the two guys whose names have been mentioned for this job for years, as Helton’s tenure became more tenuous: James Franklin and Luke Fickell (32). Franklin has the personality to sell the program in a pro market, and a very good track record at Penn State and Vanderbilt. Fickell has worked wonders at Cincinnati, where he worked under Bohn. Both are program builders and maintainers once they’re built.

But do either want the job? Franklin has achieved breakthrough status in recruiting, with a 2022 class that (as of now) could wind up being No. 1 in the nation. Although he could thrive in L.A., he’s also a Mid-Atlantic guy whose recruiting rarely goes west of the central time zone. Fickell is bedrock Midwestern and stubbornly resistant to job hopping—especially if this hop would be to work again with an athletic director that sources say he coexisted with more than enjoyed. Beware the leverage play.

After that comes the great ex-coach strata, specifically Chris Petersen and Bob Stoops (33). Petersen was brilliant at Boise State and very good at Washington, but he’s also wired differently in terms of what makes him happy and has rebuffed interest from USC at least once in his career. Stoops might be more willing to consider jumping back in the ring; he briefly coached in the ill-fated XFL, which might indicate that he still has the itch. He’s a consistent winner but would need to update his recruiting contacts and establish new ones in California.

Mario Cristobal (34) certainly is the flavor of the moment in the sport, coming off a spectacular win at Ohio State Saturday and positioning Oregon as the top program in the Pac-12 and a serious playoff contender. He’s an excellent recruiter who knows the territory, having plucked consecutive five-star recruits out of California in 2018 and ’19, not to mention other parts of the Pac-12 footprint. That said, Cristobal has a good job already in the Pac-12, at a program that spares no expense. Until that Ohio State upset, he’d also proven less than everyone above him on this list.

Bill O’Brien (35) is the latest Nick Saban reclamation project, and he’s off to a very good start calling plays at Alabama. O’Brien did good work at Penn State in a thankless situation, then had a nice run with the Houston Texans before it finally fell apart. (His biggest problem in the pros seemed to be personnel management, not coaching.)

Jay Norvell (36) is a long shot, but he’s elevated Nevada to a contender for best Group of 5 program this season. The Wolf Pack went 7–2 last year and played for the Mountain West Conference championship. He’s earned a win over a Power 5 opponent each of the past three seasons in which Nevada has played one (2020 was a washout), beating Oregon State in 2018, Purdue in ’19 and California this season. He could put another Power 5 skin on the wall Saturday at Kansas State. Norvell recruited and developed quarterback Carson Strong, a Californian who could have an NFL future.

And just in case Mississippi goes into Tuscaloosa and wins on Oct. 2, USC could always dance again with that devil it once knew, Lane Kiffin (37).

 

[RUforlife]

It seems like CJF may be USC’s top target. And I think it’s going to be a huge distraction all season long.

Lived in LA when they didn't have pro football, USC dominated the landscape along with the Lakers and Dodgers, have to wonder now that they have two pro teams whether USC has the same level in the LA sports pecking order. Franklin might not get as much attention as he craves with the move now. Also, with the money he will be asking for they will expect championships, he won't have a built in OSU excuse, USC is the big fish in that pond, even though Oregon can put together some good teams. All in all, he probably is better off staying at Penn State, but he is an ambitious man who likes the spotlight, I can't see him turning down an offer if they come up with money.

 

[SR108]

I love this stuff....
If you take a look at USC's annual records over the last 40 years, outside of Petey's 9 years that ended in scandal and sanctions, they have been decidedly average in an average conference. It's not apparent to me what makes USC a job you would take over other similar jobs.

It's not apparent to me what makes USC a job you would take over other similar jobs.

LA/California markets potential in regard to NIL.
Recruiting grounds.

 

[SR108]

Doubt that USC will come up with the cash necessary to lure Franklin. Would he leave if they did? Yup.

Campbell, Fleck, Schiano, and Fickell are more realistic. Tony Elliott is probably too much of a calculated risk.

Considering California tax rates, how much of an offer would it take to lure Franklin?

 

[Midnighter2]

I agree CJF ticks all the boxes - plus he is a minority coach in an industry that still does not have a lot of minority head coaches.

This whole "money/lifestyle choice" argument befuddles me. This is something that PSU fans bring up as if it's a make or break issue - I don't see it. If it were, then you would hear of a lot of other professions have the same issue. There are advantages and disadvantages to both places - just because a bunch of PSU fans was poetic over State College and Central Pa does not mean everyone does.

I agree about the lifestyle choice and it not being make or break - but, this profession is fairly unique and not comparable to most others IMO. Being the HC at Penn State and USC makes you a VIP wherever you go in those states. Not like deciding between State College and Los Angeles for a job in sales.

 

[SR108]

View embedded media

While I support Franklin, and don't want to see him go, I don't really understand why USC would seriously consider him over other candidates. He is a good recruiter, but not an elite recruiter. He is a good CEO, but certainly not a coaching genius. After seven years he has still not pushed PSU from "good to great". We seem to be a consistent 9-11 win team, that cannot beat Ohio State and have yet to make the playoffs.

 

[NewEra 2014]

I will say that Mike Bohn, USC's AD, is not exactly thought of as a great AD that someone would want to work for. I am no fan of Sandy Barbour, but he would not be an upgrade to Sandy.

 

[wolve1972]

I've been on the USC boards last night and this morning and the top 3 seem to be Franklin, Peterson and Fickell. Many of their fans really like Peterson. Won't know anything until the end of this season but the rumors will be flying all year

 

[psuro]

While I support Franklin, and don't want to see him go, I don't really understand why USC would seriously consider him over other candidates. He is a good recruiter, but not an elite recruiter. He is a good CEO, but certainly not a coaching genius. After seven years he has still not pushed PSU from "good to great". We seem to be a consistent 9-11 win team, that cannot beat Ohio State and have yet to make the playoffs.

Because there is no Ohio State level program in the PAC 12 - and of the 12 schools in the conference, USC has the best chance of being, and sustaining the level of being the "Ohio State of the PAC 12".

So the path to the playoffs is easier there than here.

 

[psuro]

I've been on the USC boards last night and this morning and the top 3 seem to be Franklin, Peterson and Fickell. Many of their fans really like Peterson. Won't know anything until the end of this season but the rumors will be flying all year

They have a game at Washington St this weekend - clearly they are not focussing on the game.

 

[BobPSU92]

How do you know we would be closer to a national championship? Wouldn’t that depend on who we get unless you really think anybody is better than Franklin. What if they hire a “can’t miss” coach like Nebraska did? Or Michigan?

Running Franklin out of town has to be worth at least one NATTY. .

 

[SLion]

USC AD Bohn hired Fickell at Cincy. ESPN thinks Franklin is best choice? They think Fickell downside is that he won't leave Ohio area and Big 12 is appealing..cmon now. No young coach stays one place forever and USC is a prime spot.

 

[TheWizardofCamelot]

A couple of random thoughts:

A USC insider on their board thinks that they'll take the full season to find the next coach, no timeline at this point.

Would USC pull the plug on Helton because they think they have someone on the line? Or a case of being the first to do so, leaving all the options/candidates on the table?

Franklin, nor any top HC with a potential big season ahead of them, would make the move now anyway.

Is the USC job still one of the top jobs in college football? At least big enough to leave another top 10ish program? I think they have some big NIL potential and great recruiting, but do those outweigh the cons? LA isn't exactly "livable" and the PAC12 doesn't have the $$$ of the BIG. PSU currently has the top rated recruiting class (with a potential program making QB/RB) + a top 10 team + new facilities on the way + a lot of money for the HC salary.

If JF did leave, I think PSU has a number of really good candidates we could interview for the job.

 

[SR108]

Because there is no Ohio State level program in the PAC 12 - and of the 12 schools in the conference, USC has the best chance of being, and sustaining the level of being the "Ohio State of the PAC 12".

So the path to the playoffs is easier there than here.

Good points, however, would Franklin be their best candidate?

 

[psuro]

Good points, however, would Franklin be their best candidate?

That’s not for me to decide. They will weigh out the factors and pursue the person they feel is best.

 

[Beachwineguy]

I've been on the USC boards last night and this morning and the top 3 seem to be Franklin, Peterson and Fickell. Many of their fans really like Peterson. Won't know anything until the end of this season but the rumors will be flying all year

Colin Cowherd said he interviewed Peterson last week, and he isn’t interested. He also said that Peterson was the only home run name out there, so now what do they do? He’s such a west coast homer.

 

[psuro]

I will throw out a name just for the sake of throwing out a name

Kyle Wittingham, Utah.

 

[AvgUser]

A USC insider on their board thinks that they'll take the full season to find the next coach, no timeline at this point.

If true, that leaves enough time for Urban Meyer to become exhausted, leave Jacksonville for health reasons, and then re-emerge a healthier self in sunny LA.

That said, it would not surprise me if he abandons the NFL anyway.