James Franklin Responds To Rumors Linking Him To USC Job Following Clay Helton Firing

Would James Franklin leave Penn State for USC?

After it was announced on Monday that USC was firing coach Clay Helton following a loss to Stanford over The Weeknd, many were speculating on who USC might target for their opening.

James Franklin was first on most lists.

Who Will The USC Trojans Turn To After Firing Coach Clay Helton?https://t.co/h6MJiXdUgX

— SideAction (@SideActionHQ) September 14, 2021

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When asked about the USC buzz on Tuesday, James Franklin deflected, calling any type of rumor a ‘distraction’ at this time.

“I can’t stand any form of distraction. I’ll discuss this today with the [team] leadership council so that we can make sure that all of our energy is on our preparation for Auburn. That’s how we’ll handle it.”

Penn State coach James Franklin on USC job speculation:

"I can't stand any form of distraction. I'll discuss this today with the [team] leadership council so that we can make sure that all of our energy is on our preparation for Auburn. That's how we'll handle it."

— Tyler Donohue (@TDsTake) September 14, 2021

James Franklin has had a highly successful run at Penn State, and has proven to be the right fit to pump some life into their program.

He also has a good track record of recruiting, which one would think should translate well if he were to move to LA and not rural Pennsylvania.

But for now, James Franklin appears wholly focused on the marquee matchup with Auburn on Saturday night. He didn’t exactly slam the door shut on USC, though.

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