Vanderbilt coach James Franklin is expected to head up Penn State's football program.

Franklin will replace former coach Bill O'Brien who resigned to join the Houston Texans as head coach. Franklin will be Penn State's 16th coach.

Franklin's future was up in the air in recent months as he had interviewed with the University of Texas and the Houston Texans. Franklin was also tracked by NFL teams the Cleveland Browns and the Washington Redskins.

Franklin has been at Vanderbilt for three seasons and had compiled a winning record of 24-15.The team also reached three consecutive bowl games, winning two. He is the first Vanderbilt coach to lead them to the back-to-back bowl games. Before his arrival, Vanderbilt had a 4-20 record.

Franklin played as quarterback for East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania for four years graduating with a degree in psychology.  He started coaching at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania as a wide receiver coach. He later served in a variety of positions for colleges and NFL teams before being named as Vanderbilt coach. He replaced Robbie Caldwell, who was forced to resign.

According to ESPN.com, Penn State targeted Franklin because of his success at a respected academic institution.

Penn State is still trying to rebuild its reputation after being caught up in a child sex abuse scandal involving former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky. University officials were accused of failing to report the crimes to the police. Sandusky was eventually convicted of 45 counts of child abuse.

Following the Sandusky scandal, Penn State was hit with several reprimands from the NCAA including a $60 million fine, a ban from bowl games and post-season play, a reduction in scholarships, the elimination of wins from 1998 to 2011 and a five-year probationary period.