James Franklin a Finalist for the Texas Head Coach Opening?

There's more James Franklin news developing today, as rumors that the Vanderbilt head coach could be Mack Brown's replacement at Texas have begun swirling not long after reports surface that he'd be interviewing at Penn State this weekend.

From OrangeBloods.com:

A source close to the Texas coaching search says Vanderbilt's James Franklin and Louisville's Charlie Strong are among the finalists to replace Mack Brown at Texas.

The question is if they are the only finalists?

Orangebloods.com was the first to report Texas athletic director Steve Patterson had interviewed both Strong, 53, and Franklin, 41, separately, earlier.

That puts Franklin smack dab in the middle of two major coaching searches one day before Vanderbilt's bowl game against Houston. The Texas job has Franklin competing with Strong for the high-profile position, while Penn State's coaching search is rumored to be hinging on a top-two of Franklin and Miami's Al Golden. If Golden gets that job - rumors floated on Friday suggested that a job offer was imminent for the former Temple HC - then Franklin will likely see his name attached to any Hurricane opening that arises.

It's been a crazy Friday for the Commodores as they prepare for a big bowl matchup with an underrated Houston team. Hopefully these off-the-field distractions won't make their way into the Vandy locker room.