James Franklin Nears Va Tech HC Contract After Penn State Dismissal
James Franklin, recently dismissed from Penn State, is nearing a contract to become the next head coach at Virginia Tech. Reports from ESPN’s Pete Thamel indicate that an agreement is being finalized following Brent Pry’s firing in September.
Franklin’s Coaching History
Franklin, aged 53, served as Penn State’s head coach from 2014 until October 2025. During his tenure, he led the Nittany Lions to six seasons with ten or more wins, a Big Ten title, and a College Football Playoff appearance. His most notable season occurred in 2024, when Penn State reached the CFP Semifinal but lost to Notre Dame, concluding a successful 13-3 record.
Dismissal from Penn State
The season started with high hopes as Penn State recorded three consecutive victories. However, a surprising downturn followed, with three straight losses, including upsets by UCLA and Northwestern. Athletic director Patrick Kraft cited the need for “new leadership” to advance toward Big Ten and national championships as a reason for Franklin’s termination.
Transition to Virginia Tech
Before joining Penn State, Franklin achieved significant success at Vanderbilt, where he turned the Commodores around, leading them to back-to-back nine-win seasons.
- Virginia Tech’s previous head coach, Brent Pry, led the team from 2022 to 2025.
- Pry’s tenure included a maximum of seven wins but ended after a disappointing 0-3 start in the 2025 season.
- The Hokies currently hold a 3-7 record this season.
Challenges Ahead for Franklin
While Franklin has a proven track record, he faces challenges at Virginia Tech. The Hokies have not had a significant impact in national rankings for several years. Their last 10-win season was in 2016, and their most recent conference title dates back to 2010.
Recruiting may also pose problems, as Virginia Tech is not regarded as a powerhouse in this area. Nevertheless, with Franklin’s experience, he is expected to attract talent through both the transfer portal and traditional recruiting efforts. Virginia Tech fans can hope for an upswing in team performance under his leadership.
