James Franklin Named New Head Coach of Virginia Tech Football
James Franklin has been appointed as the new head coach of Virginia Tech Football, marking a significant change for the program. This announcement came from high-ranking officials, including Rector John Rocovich and President Tim Sands. Franklin’s hiring reflects a unified commitment to the Hokies’ vision of success.
Press Conference Announcement
The official introduction of Franklin will take place at a press conference on Wednesday, November 19, at 10 a.m. ET. This event will be held at Carilion Clinic Court inside Cassell Coliseum and is open to the public. Fans can also stream the announcement live on various platforms, including X, Facebook, and YouTube.
Franklin’s Coaching Experience
James Franklin, with over 30 years of coaching experience, is known for building competitive teams. His recent tenure at Penn State was particularly noteworthy. Franklin achieved a 128-60 record as a head coach, with an impressive 68-plus winning percentage.
Record at Penn State
- 104 wins in 12 seasons
- Consistent top-12 finishes in the College Football Playoff rankings
- Seven New Year’s Six bowl game appearances with four victories
- 2016 Big Ten Championship title
Tim Sands praised Franklin’s leadership qualities, stating they align with Virginia Tech’s ambitions. The Hokies expect Franklin to inspire student-athletes and bring the team’s performance to new heights.
Legacy at Vanderbilt and Other Coaching Roles
Prior to his time at Penn State, Franklin transformed Vanderbilt University’s football program. He led the Commodores to bowl games in each of his first three seasons. Under his guidance, Vanderbilt achieved its best records in decades, including:
- First bowl game appearances in 1948
- Nine wins in the 2012 season, the most since 1915
- Consecutive nine-win seasons in 2012 and 2013
Franklin has held various coaching roles across several institutions, contributing to his wealth of experience. His coaching journey includes stints at Maryland, Kansas State, the Green Bay Packers, and James Madison.
Coaching Philosophy and Vision
Franklin expressed excitement about joining the Virginia Tech community. He emphasized a vision of excellence and a commitment to serving the university and its fans. His approach aims to create lasting success for the program.
Family and Personal Background
Originally from Langhorne, Pennsylvania, Franklin earned degrees from East Stroudsburg University and Washington State. He is married to Fumi and is a father of two daughters, Shola and Addison.
As the Hokies welcome Franklin, there is a shared anticipation among fans and university officials for the bright future of Virginia Tech Football.
