James Franklin is already being linked to Wisconsin as the next head coach

Luke Fickell has not been fired as the head coach of Wisconsin, but Penn State took the astonishing and expensive step of getting rid of James Franklin. Since many analysts assume that by the offseason, Fickell will be gone at Wisconsin, too, there are some already thinking Franklin may be a fit for the Badgers.

The first credible speculation actually came before Franklin was even fired. Pat Forde of Sports Illustrated threw out the possibility last week. You can read that article here. But since then, more and more have thought Wisconsin could be a landing spot for Franklin.

James Franklin has very few connections to Wisconsin but fits the bill in other ways

Related: Penn State makes the move that Wisconsin is afraid of, but absolutely needs to

Franklin isn't from Wisconsin and has never really lived in the state, except for that one time when he was the wide receivers coach for the Green Bay Packers for a year in 2005. However, the speculation comes mostly because it's a perceived opening. He isn't even a prototypical Wisconsin-style coach. He may actually be more of a bridge from where Wisconsin has been to the modern game than Fickell ever was.

Franklin typically is an offensive-minded coach with the goal of strong quarterback play and a pro-style system. However, he's known as an elite recruiter and can bring in some of the best players in the country. That would be a big grab for Wisconsin, which hasn't recruited all that well under Luke Fickell.

Most of the fan engagement with the idea comes from the hope that Fickell will actually be fired and Wisconsin will no longer sit on its hands. The desire to move on to something may be the biggest driving force. However, Penn State was knocking on the door of a national championship, and that would be amazing if Wisconsin could be there under a head coach, Franklin or otherwise.