Report: Vanderbilt's Franklin Is Frontrunner For Penn State Job

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – There is a new leader to be the next Penn State head football coach, according to a report.

Vanderbilt's James Franklin is reportedly the "frontrunner" land the job, according to a report from Bruce Feldman of CBS Sports.

#Vandy coach James Franklin has emerged as the clear frontrunner for the vacancy at #PennState, per source
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) January 7, 2014

James Franklin would be a huge get for #PennState. #Vandy was abysmal before he showed up. Has led VU to back-to-back Top25 finishes.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) January 7, 2014

Franklin, 41 years old, was born in Langhorne and went to Neshaminy High School.

Franklin began at Vanderbilt in 2011, his first head coaching job. He was a quarterback at East Stroudsburg, and has coached in various capacities in college football and the NFL since 1995. He has a 24-15 record in three seasons as Vanderbilt head coach, and has gone to a bowl game in each year.

Franklin is also considered a candidate for the Detroit Lions head coaching vacancy.