James Franklin Awaits $72.7M Coach’s Firing After Declining Virginia Tech Offer

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James Franklin Awaits $72.7M Coach’s Firing After Declining Virginia Tech Offer

James Franklin, the former head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions, recently attended the Old Dominion versus Troy football game. His presence at the game was to support his former assistants, Ricky Rahne and Gerad Parker. During the event, Franklin faced inquiries regarding his interest in the Virginia Tech coaching position, which he declined to comment on. Reports from college sports journalist David Teel indicated that Franklin was polite but chose not to address the speculation about the Hokies job.

Coaching Landscape and Virginia Tech’s Interests

James Franklin has emerged as a leading candidate for the Virginia Tech job, previously held by Brent Pry. Current assessments suggest he has a 50% chance of securing this position. However, he is also being pursued by other programs, with Arkansas currently showing a stronger inclination, rated at 52% to hire him.

Connections to Former Assistants

The matchup between ODU and Troy featured both of Franklin’s former assistants, adding an emotional layer to his visit. Rahne, who started as a quarterbacks coach under Franklin at Penn State, eventually rose to offensive coordinator before taking the head coaching role at Old Dominion. Parker, a close friend of Franklin who served as the wide receivers coach at Penn State, also has significant ties to Franklin.

Potential Recruits for Virginia Tech

If Franklin accepts the Virginia Tech position, there may be an opportunity for the Hokies to benefit from his prior commitments. Three recruits from Penn State could potentially switch their allegiance:

Tyson Harley: A 6-foot-4 edge rusher from Gonzaga High School, previously committed to Penn State.
Elijah Littlejohn: A highly-rated 6-foot-4 linebacker from Charlotte, North Carolina, who has multiple offers.
Messiah Mickens: A 5-foot-10 running back and one of Franklin’s first commits for the 2026 class at Penn State.

Franklin’s familiarity with these players could facilitate their recruitment if he decides to join the Hokies.

Timing and Other Considerations

Despite the growing speculation, Franklin’s decision-making process is currently influenced by a potential opening at Florida State. Insiders indicate that the FSU job, which carries a substantial financial buyout for current coach Mike Norvell, is a significant factor in Franklin’s delay. Norvell’s buyout stands at approximately $72.2 million, creating complications for any coaching changes.

Franklin is weighing his options carefully. He remains in contact with Virginia Tech but is also monitoring the situation at Florida State. With a lucrative contract averaging over $8 million annually at Penn State, he may seek a more lucrative deal if he moves to a position with Florida State, renowned for its investment in coaching and facilities.