James Franklin Agrees To Contract Extension With Vanderbilt

James Franklin figured to be a hot name on the coaching market if Vanderbilt had a decent season, and with an 8-4 record and Music City Bowl invite, he didn't disappoint.

Franklin was rumored to be a candidate with several open jobs, including Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina State, and Auburn, but Vanderbilt is announcing he has agreed to a contract extension that includes agreements from the school to include facility upgrades for the football program.

Here at Expats, we've been following Franklin since the summer. By bringing Vanderbilt back to bowl eligibility in 2011 and displaying a dynamic personality that's already paying dividends on the recruiting trail, we figured he'd be mentioned with several jobs. In 2012 he turned in one of the best seasons in Vanderbilt history. Detractors point out he never beat a team with a winning record, but this is Vanderbilt. They traditionally don't beat teams with losing records.

It's unknown how strongly Arkansas pursued Franklin, if at all. And if so, how much the Razorbacks offered him. Vanderbilt's AD said at the press conference that "every school in America" has contacted him about Franklin. Obviously, that an exaggeration, but it wouldn't be surprising to find out every school with an opening inquired about him.

Vanderbilt is a private school, and does not have to release financial information for their employees, so we don't know the specifics of Franklin's contract. It was reported when Gus Malzahn turned down Vanderbilt before they hired Franklin, he turned down an offer worth over $3 million per year, so it stands to reason that Franklin is making a very decent salary.