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REPORT: James Franklin Offered Penn State Job; Decision Expected Thursday

Vanderbilt will know whether or not they'll have to look for a new head coach on Thursday. According to reports, James Franklin is slated to choose between spending his future with the Commodores or with Penn State.

Frederick Breedon

The James Franklin rumors reached an all-time high on Wednesday night, as reports suggested that the third-year Vandy coach had been offered the reins at Penn State following Bill O'Brien's departure. Franklin is expected to choose between Vanderbilt and PSU on Thursday.

That news follows a report that Franklin will no longer interview with the Washington Redskins for their head coaching vacancy. The 41-year old was slated to meet with owner Dan Synder on Friday.

If nothing else, Thursday should bring some stability to a Commodore fanbase that has had to deal with Franklin rumors for the past week. The rising head coach has been linked to no fewer than four different positions since last Thursday. Despite the distractions, Franklin was able to lead Vanderbilt to a 41-24 BBVA Compass Bowl victory over Houston.

The PSU offer has gotten Commodore fans talking throughout Twitter. That includes PGA Tour professional and Vandy alum Brandt Snedeker.

Snedeker also offered Franklin free golf lessons for life if he stays with the 'Dores. By tomorrow, we'll know if the head coach will be getting some top notch pointers out at the driving range this summer.

UPDATE: Centre Daily Times (State College) beat reporter Travis Johnson refutes the Scranton paper's claim (11:57 CST):

UPDATE 2: WGAL - Susquehanna Valley's number one news team on Twitter - editor Julie Loeper suggests that Franklin and Penn State drew up a contract in their meeting tonight. She did not mention any specifics, but later noted that the news broke on the station's 11pm broadcast.

UPDATE 3: ESPN's Joe Schad backs up Travis Johnson's report this morning.

UPDATE 4: Bruce Feldman says Franklin is leaving.

UPDATE 5: Caleb Azubike says "not so fast."

UPDATE 6: David Williams also denies reports that Franklin has made a decision to leave.