Fansided

10 potential jobs Tom Herman could leave Houston for

By Nathaniel Reeves

Sep 15, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Tom Herman answers questions during a post game interview after defeating the Cincinnati Bearcats at Nippert Stadium. Houston won 40-16. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 15, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Tom Herman answers questions during a post game interview after defeating the Cincinnati Bearcats at Nippert Stadium. Houston won 40-16. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 17, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Temple Owls at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Temple 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Sep 17, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Temple Owls at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Temple 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O /

9. Penn State Nittany Lions

James Franklin’s job at Penn State is probably safe for the 2017 season, though the Nittany Lions would have expected more at this point in his tenure. Should Penn State choose to move on, Herman can expect to receive a call from Happy Valley.

After bringing Vanderbilt football back to life with a pair of nine-win seasons in 2012 and 2013, Franklin made the move to Penn State prior to 2014. The Commodores had not won nine games since 1915, and Penn State was surely impressed with Franklin’s ability to recruit top athletes to a tough place to win.

Franklin has continued that success with Penn State in some ways, as he is still recruiting like a maniac. However, concerns about his in-game coaching ability have proven to be warranted, as the Nittany Lions have struggled offensively despite having plenty of talent.

Penn State is 16-13 in two-plus years under Franklin and suffered a loss to Pittsburgh in a critical game earlier this year. Another seven-win season might lead the Nittany Lions to go in a different direction.

Herman could pull in some top recruiting classes for the Nittany Lions, and Penn State is a very good job. Still, Happy Valley is a long way from Herman’s typical recruiting base, and he might have his sights set on a bigger job like LSU.

Joining the Big Ten East with Urban Meyer and Jim Harbaugh around doesn’t seem like an appealing prospect either, although Herman doesn’t seem like one to shy away from a challenge. Consider Penn State a longshot, but still on the radar.

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