James Franklin, Virginia Tech reportedly finalizing head coach deal
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James Franklin has already found a new team to coach in college football after being fired by Penn State.
Franklin and Virginia Tech have reportedly reached an agreement to make him the next Hokies head football coach. ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
A report emerged over the weekend stating that Franklin and Virginia Tech were in the “early stages of discussions” about the role.
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Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin stands on the field after a game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium on October 11, 2025 in University Park, Penn. (Matthew O’Haren/Imagn Images)
Franklin was fired by Penn State following the Nittany Lions’ loss to Northwestern; It was the program’s third straight defeat and another shocking result following a loss to UCLA the week before. The Nittany Lions are currently 4-6 on the season and 1-6 in Big Ten play.
Franklin will replace former defensive coordinator Brent Pry after Pry was fired in September. The Hokies started the year 0-3, and Pry had a 16-24 record during his four seasons in the program.
JAMES FRANKLIN HAVING ‘EARLY CONCERNS’ TO BE VIRGINIA TECH’S NEXT HEAD COACH: REPORT
It’s been a lackluster few seasons for Virginia Tech under Pry and his predecessor, Justin Fuente. But Franklin’s adaptable approach to the modern college football landscape could quickly turn things around in Blacksburg.
Franklin would become the program’s most successful head coach since Frank Beamer retired in 2015 after 29 seasons leading the Hokies. Franklin, who coached at Vanderbilt before joining Penn State, went 128-60 in his 15 seasons as head coach.
Despite this season’s struggles, Franklin was coming off a 2024 campaign that included a trip to the College Football Playoff semifinals and the 2016 Big Ten Championship.
Penn State athletic director Pat Kraft gives a big hug to head football coach James Franklin after beating Indiana 33-24 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Penn., on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. (IMAGN)
With Virginia Tech’s Board of Visitors approving a plan to add $229 million to the athletics budget over the next four years, hiring someone like Franklin with his recruiting acumen could make the Hokies an attractive destination for top talent from across the country.
Franklin was never expected to be hired, as the Nittany Lions opened the year ranked No. 3 in the country. But after three straight blowout wins to open the season, a double-overtime loss to No. 6 Oregon left Penn State deadlocked. That could benefit the Hokies as they look to get the program back on track in an ACC that lacks a true powerhouse.
Franklin never saw the Nittany Lions hoist the national championship trophy during his tenure at State College, as the team went 4-21 against AP Top 10 opponents.
Penn State head coach James Franklin reacts during the second quarter of the NCAA college football game against Northwestern on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in State College, Penn. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
The Hokies last won double-digit games in the 2016 season. Franklin has reached that mark six times, including three straight seasons from 2022 to 2024.
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Virginia Tech will hope Franklin can bring one next season and many more after that.
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