Clay Helton is still USC's head football coach, but that has not stopped a few days worth of speculation from various national writers that James Franklin may have interest in the Trojans job. Tuesday's weekly press conference did little to stop the speculation, but the Nittany Lions' head coach did his best to quash any rumors during Wednesday evening's media availability.

James Franklin on recent job rumors: I have all the plans in the world to be here [at Penn State] and be here for a long time. — Onward State (@OnwardState) November 21, 2018

Josh Moyer of the Centre Daily Times has the full quote, which Franklin offered unprompted at the opening of his post-practice availability:

Here's James Franklin's full statement tonight -- explaining that he plans to stay put at PSU "for a long time" and how he didn't intend to feed into the speculation: pic.twitter.com/P1o6g8LZq8 — Josh Moyer (@ByJoshMoyer) November 21, 2018

Franklin, who signed a new deal prior to the 2017 season that will see him make an average of $5.8 million of the next four seasons, was a candidate for the USC gig back in 2014 when the Trojans ultimately hired Steve Sarkisian to replace the fired Lane Kiffin. Franklin, of course, ultimately ended up at Penn State following the departure of Bill O'Brien for the Houston Texans head coaching job.

Before that 2017 contract extension was signed, Franklin indicated that his primary focus was getting commitments from the University to continue their investment in facilities, as well as the coaching staff and other program support. Earlier this year, he was again adamant that the Nittany Lions should not be in the position of losing coaches to similar positions at other schools.

Franklin will wrap up his fifth regular season on Saturday against Maryland, looking for a ninth win, and third straight New Year's Six invite. The game will kickoff at 3:30 p.m. and air on ABC.