Texas A&M targeting Penn State’s James Franklin, per report

Texas A&M is looking to make a run at hiring James Franklin should Kevin Sumlin and the Aggies part ways, reports CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd.

Sumlin entered this season on the hot seat after the Aggies have finished 8-5 the past three seasons. The Aggies are off to a 4-2 start, including an eight-point loss to Alabama and one-point stunner at UCLA after holding a 34-point lead in its season opener.

According to Dodd, Sumlin is “guaranteed the remainder of his contract if fired without cause.” Sumlin signed a a six-year contract worth $30 million in 2013.

Franklin coached Vanderbilt to a 24–15 record with back-to-back nine win season punctuated by bowl wins before being hired by Penn State. He has guided the Nittany Lions to a 31-15 record, including a Big Ten title and Rose Bowl appearance last season. Penn State is off to a 6-0 start this season and is ranked No. 3 in the country.

In August, Franklin signed a three-year contract extension worth $19.75 million which keep him in State College, Pennsylvania, through the 2022 season. Franklin’s buyout is set at $2 million if he leaves after this season.