Virginia Tech has officially appointed James Franklin as the new head coach, confirming the move on Monday morning. Franklin is recognized as one of the most sought-after coaches available, having recently parted ways with Penn State following a disappointing start to the 2025 season, where his team went 3-3. CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz was the first to report news of Franklin’s impending hire.
The Hokies made a bold decision earlier this season, parting ways with Brent Pry on September 14. A former Franklin assistant, Pry ended his tenure at Virginia Tech with only one winning season in four years and a rocky start to the current campaign, failing to secure a victory through his first three games.
During his 12 years at Penn State, Franklin achieved considerable success, with his teams finishing below .500 only once—during the pandemic-affected 2020 season. His leadership left a mark, as he led the Nittany Lions to at least 10 wins in six of his seasons and made postseason appearances ten times from 2014 to 2024.
“I’m honored and humbled to join the Hokie family,” Franklin expressed in a statement. “My vision is straightforward: to restore unmatched excellence, create a lasting legacy, and serve this university, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and our passionate fan base with honor, integrity, and zeal. I eagerly anticipate collaborating with our players, staff, and the entire Virginia Tech community.”
Under Franklin, Penn State enjoyed a successful stretch in recent years, including a historic playoff appearance last season where they reached the semifinals, ultimately falling to Notre Dame in a close game. The optimism was high entering the 2025 season, as the Nittany Lions were ranked No. 2 in the AP Top 25—marking their best preseason ranking since 1997. However, their season quickly derailed after suffering a key overtime loss to Oregon and an unexpected upset against an unranked UCLA team.
Following their struggles, particularly after a second consecutive loss to Northwestern—where starting quarterback Drew Allar also sustained a season-ending injury—Franklin was released from his position.
Franklin’s Impressive Track Record
While Franklin’s tenure at Penn State ended abruptly, his track record remains impressive. He led his teams to ten bowl games and consistently finished in the top 10 of the AP poll, solidifying his status as a well-regarded coach, even amidst criticism for his performance in pivotal matches. He boasts a respectable 5-3 record in New Year’s Six games and College Football Playoff matchups.
Franklin is stepping into a unique role at Virginia Tech, becoming the first head coach since Frank Beamer to attempt to elevate the program at a Power Four school. The Hokies have not just struggled to secure bowl game slots; they last appeared in a New Year’s Six Bowl back in 2011, and they haven’t been ranked in the AP Top 25 since early in the 2021 season.
Moreover, Franklin’s familiarity with critical recruiting areas significantly enhances his potential impact. His Pennsylvania roots, along with coaching stints at James Madison and Maryland, have equipped him with valuable connections in the Mid-Atlantic region. At Penn State, he prioritized recruiting from Virginia, signing top-tier local prospects, indicating he could bolster the Hokies’ talent pool rapidly.
Opportunities for Virginia Tech
Given Franklin’s experience and strategic approach, Virginia Tech appears poised to become competitive in the ACC sooner rather than later. The timing aligns well with the current landscape of the conference, especially considering the struggles of traditional powerhouses like Clemson and Florida State this season. With a combined record of 5-9 in conference play, these teams may be vulnerable, offering an opening for other programs.
Franklin’s hire brings Virginia Tech a notable advantage, given his experience in both the SEC and Big Ten, which could be crucial as the Hokies aim to navigate the shifting dynamics of the ACC. This is a pivotal moment for the university, which has recently committed to a substantial investment in its athletics program. The Virginia Tech Board of Visitors approved an increase of $229 million to the athletic budget, which aims to elevate their operational standards, allowing Franklin more resources to attract recruits and enhance team performance.
In fiscal terms, this plan raises the current budget of $190.1 million to $212.1 million by the 2029-30 season, narrowing the gap with other successful programs like Clemson and Florida State, who have each invested over $160 million.
