REPORT: James Franklin to Interview for Penn State Head Coaching Vacancy Sunday

Bad news may be on the horizon for Vanderbilt football fans. A report from CoachingSearch.com suggests that Commodore head coach James Franklin may be interviewing for the Penn State head coach job this weekend.

That news broke Friday afternoon, less than 24 hours before Vandy is scheduled to face 8-4 Houston in the BBVA Compass Bowl. Franklin, who is considered one of the Nittany Lions's top candidates, is rumored to be interviewing on Sunday.

Penn State's coaching vacancy is due to 2011-2013 coach Bill O'Brien's recent departure to the NFL. He is currently the head coach of the Houston Texans.

The timing is curious. Any news of a Franklin interview would serve as a major distraction for a coach and a team that has done a tremendous job of blocking out outside influences leading up to big games. Now, Franklin and the Vanderbilt staff will have to field questions about their coach's loyalty, weekend plans, and commitment to the SEC program he has raised from the conference's basement.

We'll have more on this story as it develops at Anchor of Gold.