James Franklin Secures New Coaching Position at Virginia Tech
James Franklin has reportedly landed a new role as the head coach of Virginia Tech after being let go from Penn State.
Recent reports indicate that Franklin has signed a deal with the Hokies, making him their next head football coach.
Discussions about this move began over the weekend, signaling a quick transition for Franklin following his departure from Penn State.
Franklin was dismissed after the Nittany Lions suffered a third consecutive loss, this time to Northwestern, leaving them with a disappointing record of 4-6 overall and a mere 1-6 in Big Ten play.
At Virginia Tech, Franklin will be stepping in for former defensive coordinator Brent Pry, who was let go earlier this season after a lackluster tenure that saw the Hokies start the year 0-3 and finish with a 16-24 record over four seasons.
Virginia Tech’s recent history hasn’t been stellar, and the expectations were quite low under Pry and his predecessor, Justin Fuente. However, there’s potential for a turnaround in Blacksburg if Franklin adapts well to the current landscape of college football.
Franklin’s experience could be invaluable, as he will be the most accomplished coach at Virginia Tech since Frank Beamer, who retired in 2015 after nearly three decades at the helm. Prior to his time at Penn State, he had a successful stint at Vanderbilt, where he posted a solid record.
This season has not been smooth for Franklin either; Penn State had previously reached the College Football Playoff semifinals and played for the Big Ten Championship in 2016, but now they find themselves in a downward spiral.
Virginia Tech’s Board of Visitors has recently approved a plan to increase its athletics budget by $229 million over the next four years. Hiring someone like Franklin, with a proven track record in recruiting, could make the Hokies an appealing destination for prospective athletes.
Initially, when the season began, Franklin was not expected to be seeking a new position, but after a promising start, Penn State’s season quickly unraveled following a tough double-overtime loss. This unexpected turn might play into the hands of the Hokies as they look to revitalize their program in a competitive ACC landscape.
During his time at Penn State, Franklin aimed for championships but found it challenging—his teams struggled against top-ranked opponents, which ultimately led to his dismissal.
The last time Virginia Tech secured double-digit wins in a season was back in 2016, a feat Franklin achieved multiple times during his coaching career. The Hokies are hopeful that he will bring renewed success and build a stronger program moving forward.
