The rumors swirled for many months. In fact, just last month, Athletic Director Sandy Barbour said that while both sides were "100-percent committed" to each other, the deal was taking longer than anyone expected. Now, just over two weeks before the start of the 2017 campaign, James Franklin has his contract extension. The new deal was approved this morning by the Board of Truestees Committee on Compensation during a special meeting.

When Franklin arrived in Happy Valley in January of 2014, he signed a six-year deal that paid him a guaranteed $4 million his first year, rising $100,000 per season to a total of $4.5 million in the deal's final season of 2019. The Lions' success last season earned Franklin $750,000 in bonuses with a Big Ten title, Rose Bowl appearance, and a Big Ten Coach of the Year award.

Penn State will release the specifics of this deal later today, but Bruce Feldman has the rumored terms.

SOURCES: James Franklins new deal approved w/ #PennState is for 6 YRs at an average of $5.8 million per. His buyout is $2 million this year — Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) August 18, 2017

A larger assistant coach salary pool, and commitments from Penn State to continue the facility upgrades that have been ongoing since Franklin's arrival figure to be part of the new contract as well.

Roar Lions Roar will keep you posted as more details become available.