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James Franklin has already found a new team to coach in college football following his firing by Penn State.
Franklin and Virginia Tech have reportedly finalized a deal to make him the Hokies’ next head football coach, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Over the weekend, a report surfaced that Franklin and Virginia Tech were “engaged in the early stages of discussions” about the role.
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Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin stands on the field after the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium on October 11, 2025 in University Park, Penn. (Matthew O’Haren/Imagn Images)
Franklin was fired by Penn State after the Nittany Lions’ loss to Northwestern, the program’s third straight loss and another shocking result following a loss to UCLA the previous week. The Nittany Lions are now 4-6 on the season and 1-6 in Big Ten play.
Franklin will replace Brent Pry, his former defensive coordinator, after Pry was fired in September. The Hokies went 0-3 to start the year and Pry was 16-24 in four seasons with the program.
JAMES FRANKLIN IN “FIRST TALK” “TO BECOME VIRGINIA TECH’S NEXT HEAD COACH: REPORT
The past few seasons have been lackluster for Virginia Tech under Pry and his predecessor, Justin Fuente. However, Franklin’s adaptive approach to the modern college football landscape could quickly change the situation in Blacksburg.
Franklin would be the program’s most accomplished head coach since Frank Beamer retired in 2015 after 29 seasons leading the Hokies. Franklin, who previously coached at Vanderbilt before joining Penn State, went 128-60 in his 15 seasons as head coach.
Despite this season’s struggles, Franklin was coming off a 2024 campaign that included a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance and a 2016 Big Ten championship.
Penn State athletic director Pat Kraft gives a big hug to head football coach James Franklin after a 33-24 victory against Indiana at Beaver Stadium Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in State College, Penn. (IMAGINE)
As Virginia Tech’s Board of Visitors approves a plan to add $229 million to its athletic budget over the next four years, hiring someone like Franklin — with his recruiting acumen — could make the Hokies an attractive destination for the nation’s top talent.
Franklin was never expected to be available for rental, as the Nittany Lions opened the year ranked third in the country. But after three straight wins to open the season, a double-overtime loss to No. 6 Oregon sent Penn State into a tailspin. This could now benefit the Hokies as they look to get the program back on track in an ACC lacking a true powerhouse.
Franklin never saw his Nittany Lions win a national championship trophy, as the team went 4-21 against AP Top 10 opponents during his tenure at State College.
Penn State head coach James Franklin reacts during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Northwestern, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, at State College, Penn. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
The Hokies last won double-digit games in a season in 2016. Franklin has reached that mark six times, including three straight campaigns from 2022-24.
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Virginia Tech is hoping Franklin can bring one to the table next season — and many more after that.
