virginia Tech Targets James Franklin as Next Head Coach
Virginia Tech is poised to name James Franklin as its next football head coach,according to sources. The agreement is anticipated to be finalized shortly.
Franklin brings a 128-60 overall record across 15 seasons leading Vanderbilt and Penn State, a winning percentage exceeding 68%. His resume includes a 2024 College Football Playoff semifinal appearance and a Big Ten Championship victory in 2016.
The move comes after the September firing of Brent Pry, who posted a 16-24 record over four seasons. Pry had replaced Justin Fuente, whose tenure followed the retirement of Hall of Fame coach Frank Beamer in 2015. as Beamer’s departure, the Hokies have struggled to regain prominence in the evolving landscape of college football.
Virginia Tech’s Board of Visitors recently approved a $229 million investment in the athletics department over the next four years, aimed at enhancing the program’s appeal to high-profile coaching candidates and revitalizing the football program.
Franklin’s availability presented an unexpected opportunity for Virginia Tech. Penn State began the 2024 season ranked no. 2 nationally. However, the Nittany lions suffered three consecutive losses to open the season, including a double-overtime defeat to No. 6 Oregon while ranked No. 3. Subsequent losses to UCLA and Northwestern led to Franklin’s dismissal.
While initially facing a $49 million contract buyout, penn State’s financial obligation is expected to be reduced based on the terms of Franklin’s new contract wiht Virginia Tech.
Franklin initially took the helm at penn State in 2014, navigating the program through the aftermath of NCAA sanctions related to the Jerry Sandusky scandal. He led the Nittany Lions to a Rose Bowl appearance and the Big Ten title in 2016.
During his 12 seasons at Penn State, Franklin achieved six seasons with double-digit wins, including a streak of three consecutive such seasons from 2022-2024. However, his record against AP Top 10 opponents was 4-21. Virginia Tech last recorded a double-digit win season in 2016, during Justin Fuente’s first year, while the program consistently achieved double-digit wins from 2004-2011 under Beamer.
Franklin possesses strong recruiting ties to the I-95 corridor, particularly the talent-rich DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) region. He previously served as an assistant coach at Maryland on two occasions and spent one year coaching at james Madison, further solidifying his regional connections.
