Virginia Tech Appoints James Franklin as New Head Coach
Virginia Tech has appointed James Franklin as its new head coach, finalizing the deal on November 17, 2025. This move comes five weeks after his departure from Penn State, where he served since 2014.
Background on James Franklin
Franklin, 53, takes over at Virginia Tech following a challenging tenure at Penn State. Despite leading the Nittany Lions to a College Football Playoff semifinal in the previous season, his record against top-ranked teams was disappointing. Franklin’s teams struggled in high-pressure games, accumulating a 4-21 record against top-10 opponents.
Virginia Tech’s Recent Performance
The Hokies, under former coach Brent Pry, had a rough season, finishing with a 16-24 record prior to his dismissal on September 14. Virginia Tech has not won more than eight games in a season since 2017, and they are on track for their fifth losing record in six years.
Support from Virginia Tech Community
- Virginia Tech Football shared excitement over Franklin’s hiring, emphasizing their commitment to winning.
- Franklin is regarded as a capable builder, with a history of improving programs such as Vanderbilt, where he achieved the team’s first nine-win season since 1915.
Financial Considerations
Although Franklin is owed a substantial buyout of nearly $49 million from Penn State, the recent negotiations have adjusted this sum to $9 million. This speaks to the financial dynamics at play as Franklin transitions to his new role.
Coaching Search Committee
Virginia Tech’s search committee included prominent figures like Super Bowl-winning coach Bruce Arians and former Hokies defensive coordinator Bud Foster. Their collaboration indicates a strong commitment to revitalizing the football program.
Recruiting Ties and Future Prospects
Franklin’s recruitment ties in Virginia, especially in the Hampton Roads area, are significant. In fact, in 2023, Penn State signed six of Virginia’s top ten prospects. This expertise will be crucial as he aims to elevate Virginia Tech’s recruiting and competitive stance.
Outlook for the Hokies
With the current state of the Atlantic Coast Conference, opportunities exist for Virginia Tech to rise. Traditional powers like Clemson and Florida State are experiencing down years, leaving room for the Hokies to capitalize under Franklin’s leadership.
Franklin’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for Virginia Tech and signifies the first major coaching change this season. As other renowned schools also seek leadership, all eyes will be on how he transforms the program moving forward.
