James Franklin Shocks NCAA by Rejecting $45M Raiders Offer to Stay Loyal to Penn State
In a move that has reverberated across the college football landscape and stunned the professional ranks, James Franklin, head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions, has turned down a reported $45 million offer from the Las Vegas Raiders to remain in Happy Valley. The Raiders, amid an aggressive search for a high-profile leader to stabilize their struggling franchise, saw Franklin as a culture-changing force. Instead, Franklin delivered a resounding message of loyalty to his players, fans, and the university that has stood by him through a decade of highs and lows.
Sources close to the negotiation confirmed the Raiders’ offer included a five-year deal with full control over roster decisions, a private residence in Summerlin, and the potential to shape the future of the franchise in his image. The deal would have made him one of the highest-paid coaches in the NFL. But for Franklin, the lure of pro football paled in comparison to what he has built at Penn State.
“This isn’t just about money or prestige,” Franklin said in a statement released Monday morning. “It’s about family, tradition, and finishing what we started. I made a commitment to this program and these young men. We’re building something special here, and I’m not leaving until the job is done.”
Franklin’s decision comes after leading Penn State to back-to-back 10-win seasons, solidifying the program’s return to national relevance. Known for his dynamic recruiting, high-octane offenses, and player development, Franklin has become a pillar in the Big Ten. Under his leadership, the Nittany Lions claimed a Big Ten title in 2016 and have consistently contended with blue-blood programs like Ohio State and Michigan.
In rejecting the Raiders, Franklin becomes a rare figure in modern sports: a high-profile coach who chooses legacy over a massive payday. His decision drew praise from former players and alumni alike. “That’s the James Franklin I know,” said former quarterback Trace McSorley. “He’s always been about us, about Penn State. Money can’t buy that kind of loyalty.”
Behind the scenes, Penn State reportedly worked quickly to reaffirm their commitment, restructuring Franklin’s current contract to include increased support for facilities, NIL infrastructure, and assistant coaching salaries. The university also emphasized its long-term vision: building a perennial championship contender.
The Raiders, meanwhile, must return to the drawing board, left reeling after putting all chips on the table for Franklin. Their pursuit was seen as a bold, if unconventional, move—seeking a college coach with no prior NFL experience to lead a team in desperate need of identity.
But for Franklin, the path forward is clear. “We’ve got unfinished business in State College,” he said. “This team, this community—they’re my why. And I’m here to win championships in blue and white.”
In an era where coaching tenures are fleeting and loyalty is often transactional, James Franklin just redefined the playbook.
