Virginia Tech’s James Franklin Reflects on His Time at Penn State

James Franklin is embarking on a new chapter as the head football coach at Virginia Tech after over a decade with Penn State. His transition, which comes after his firing from Penn State on October 12, 2025, was marked by mixed emotions and a deep sense of personal connection to his previous role.

Reflections on Penn State

During a press conference at the Merryman Athletic Facility in Blacksburg, Franklin recounted the emotional challenges he faced following his departure from Penn State. After spending 12 years with the Nittany Lions, Franklin described his connection to the program as central to his life, stating, “It’s everything, right? It’s not just your job; it’s your family, it’s a lifestyle.”

• Fired by Penn State on October 12, 2025.
• Spent over 11 years in total with the Nittany Lions.

The Shock of Departure

Franklin shared that his initial reaction to the firing was one of shock, highlighting the difficulty of not being on the sidelines for his first fall Saturday in 15 years. He admitted he could not bring himself to watch Penn State games, although he remained supportive of interim coach Terry Smith and kept in contact with former players.

New Beginnings at Virginia Tech

Despite the emotional toll from his Penn State experience, Franklin is focused on his new role at Virginia Tech. He acknowledged the challenge of moving forward while cherishing the relationships he built during his tenure in Happy Valley.

• Looking forward to developing connections with players at Virginia Tech.
• Acknowledged the importance of past experiences while aspiring for future successes.

Maintaining Identity Beyond Football

Franklin emphasized that while coaching is a significant part of his identity, he recognizes the need to separate his profession from personal life. He humorously shared his wife’s observations about their family life, stating, “Football is what I do, and it’s not my identity.”

He expressed gratitude for his time at Penn State, noting the relationships and achievements he values. As he prepares for this new journey, he is determined to learn from his past and aim for a national title with the Hokies.

Franklin’s journey exemplifies the resilience required in college football, balancing the emotional weight of past experiences while eagerly looking ahead to new opportunities. His commitment to nurturing young athletes remains at the forefront of his aspirations as he settles into life at Virginia Tech.