James Franklin Returns to Virginia Roots, Named Head Football Coach at Virginia Tech
BLACKSBURG, VA – November 18, 2024 – In a stunning move reshaping the landscape of college football, james Franklin has been announced as the new head football coach at virginia Tech. The university confirmed the appointment today, ending weeks of speculation following a national search. Franklin, previously the head coach at Penn State for ten seasons, returns to the state of Virginia where he began his collegiate coaching career.
This appointment marks a pivotal moment for the Virginia Tech Hokies,who are seeking to regain their prominence in the ACC adn on the national stage. Franklin’s proven track record of building successful programs, coupled with his deep ties to the region, positions him as the ideal candidate to revitalize the Hokies’ football program. The decision comes after a highly successful run at Penn State, where he compiled a 82-35 record, including multiple bowl victories and a Big Ten Championship.
Franklin’s tenure at Penn State began in 2014, following a successful stint at Vanderbilt. During his time in State College,he led the Nittany Lions to consistent winning seasons,highlighted by an 11-3 record and Rose Bowl appearance in 2016,ultimately falling to USC 52-49. He continued to build a competitive program, achieving further success with an 11-2 season and fiesta bowl victory over Washington in 2017, and an 11-2 record culminating in a Rose Bowl win against Utah in 2022. His 2019 team finished 11-2, defeating Memphis in the Cotton Bowl, and in 2024, he guided Penn State to a 13-3 record, including victories in the CFP First Round over SMU and the Fiesta Bowl against Boise State, before a narrow loss to Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl.
Prior to his time at Penn State, Franklin coached at Vanderbilt from 2011-2013, where he substantially elevated the program’s profile. His coaching journey began with positions at Kutztown University, James Madison University, and Maryland. He notably began his career as an assistant coach at Virginia Tech in 1995, serving as a graduate assistant under Frank Beamer.
Virginia Tech officials expressed confidence that Franklin’s leadership and recruiting prowess will attract top talent to blacksburg and restore the program to its former glory.Details of Franklin’s contract will be released in the coming days. The Hokies are expected to begin preparations for the 2025 season under Franklin’s direction promptly.
