Topics

More

James Franklin Among Favorites For USC Head Coaching Job, Per BetOnline Sportsbook

Rumors about James Franklin jumping ship for USC have circulated for months, but according to one online sportsbook, there might be some merit to them.

BetOnline Sportsbook released its odds for who will coach the Trojans in 2020 Monday morning. Franklin came in with the third-best odds a 3.5/1 right behind Washington’s Chris Petersen and former Ohio State and Florida great Urban Meyer.

With head coach Clay Helton eternally on the hot seat and the athletic program headed in a new direction following the Varsity Blues scandal and the resignation of Lynn Swann, USC could be on the market for a new football coach this winter. Meyer, who retired for a second time after last season, has been the one name more closely connected to the USC job than Franklin.

Late last season, Franklin was listed as a top target to replace Helton when, unsurprisingly, there were rumors about turmoil in La La Land. Very fittingly, that news also came out in the week leading up to the Nittany Lions’ tilt with Maryland. Franklin gave this answer in response to it, which seems to still apply: “It’s that time of year when all this stuff happens. Like always, we’re completely focused on Maryland. I don’t think it’s fair or right to even talk about that job.”

Helton, who has two New Year’s Six Bowls to his credit, ended up keeping his job to enter this season. He and the Trojans are 3-1 and ranked No. 21 in the country. In a wide-open Pac-12, he has a strong shot a third New Year’s Six Bowl in four years.

Interestingly, Franklin wasn’t listed as a favorite for the Michigan job, should Jim Harbaugh get run out of Ann Arbor without a division title to his credit — although the list looks pretty similar to the USC one:

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Anthony Colucci

Anthony Colucci was once Onward State’s managing editor and preferred walk-on honors student who majored in psychology and public relations. Despite being from the make-believe land of Central Jersey, he was never a Rutgers fan. If you ever want to know how good Saquon Barkley's ball security is, ask Anthony what happened when he tried to force a fumble at the Mifflin Streak. If you want to hear the story or are bored and want to share prequel memes, follow @_anthonycolucci on Twitter or email him at [email protected]. All other requests and complaints should be directed to Onward State media contact emeritus Steve Connelly.

‘This Is The Most Fun I’ve Ever Had Playing Football’: Abdul Carter Confident Ahead Of Ohio State

Carter has 9.5 tackles-for-loss and four sacks in his first season at defensive edge.

Two Friends To Join FOX Big Noon Kickoff Broadcast As Musical Guest

Two Friends are best known for their hour-long “Big Bootie” mixes and collaborations with artists.

Keegan-Michael Key To Serve As College GameDay Guest Picker

Saturday’s show will be Key’s fourth College GameDay appearance.

113kFollowers
164kFollowers
61.3kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Sign up for our Newsletter
Other posts by Anthony

An Open Letter To My Sedated Self: Anthony Colucci’s Senior Column

“No challenge you encounter in college will come close to the obstacles you overcame to get there. However, that drive to do things your own way and disregard for what’s seen as ‘normal’ or ‘expected’ will carry on.”

4 Lessons I Learned From Cael Sanderson After Covering Him For 4 Years

Play Penn State-Themed Family Feud