Brutal: After losing 5-star commitment Penn State extends their current crucial legend to a huge contract to convince him to stay for long time

On Monday, the Penn State Board of Trustees unanimously approved an eight-year contract extension for athletic director Patrick Kraft, securing his position through 2032. Kraft will earn a guaranteed $2.26 million annually, with potential bonuses of up to $350,000 based on performance.

Kraft joined Penn State in 2022 after leaving Boston College. Despite his short tenure in Happy Valley, the athletic department has already celebrated six individual NCAA champions and one team NCAA championship in wrestling.

However, Penn State’s most prominent athletic program, football, has seen little change under Kraft’s leadership. As James Franklin enters his 11th season as head coach in 2024, the Nittany Lions have yet to make a College Football Playoff appearance. With only one Big Ten title and a single victory over Ohio State in his decade-long tenure, many fans are frustrated with consistent 10-win seasons that fall short of national championship contention.

Now that Kraft has secured his position with an eight-year extension and is overseeing a $700 million renovation of Beaver Stadium, he has the freedom to take more risks to advance Penn State football.

If Franklin leads the Nittany Lions to the 12-team CFP in 2024, the issue may resolve itself. However, if he falters in the season opener against West Virginia or struggles in the Big Ten with the addition of UCLA, USC, Oregon, and Washington, Kraft may be poised to make a bold move.

Penn State has placed considerable trust in Kraft as the leader of its athletic department. Although his tenure is closely linked to Franklin, who is under contract until 2031, Kraft did not hire him. With his new contract providing more decision-making power, Penn State fans will soon see where Kraft’s true loyalties lie.