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James Franklin has already found a new team to coach in college football following his dismissal by Penn State.
Franklin and Virginia Tech have reportedly reached an agreement to make him the Hokies’ next head football coach, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Over the weekend, a report surfaced claiming that Franklin and Virginia Tech were “engaged in the early stages of talks” about the position.
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Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin is on the field after the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium on October 11, 2025 in University Park, Pennsylvania. (Matthew O’Haren/Imagn Images)
Franklin was fired by Penn State following the Nittany Lions’ loss to Northwestern, the program’s third straight loss and another shocking result following a loss to UCLA the week before. 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 went 16-24 during four seasons with the program.
JAMES FRANKLIN ON ‘EARLY TALKS’ TO BECOME VIRGINIA TECH’S NEXT HEAD COACH: REPORT
It’s been a mediocre few seasons for Virginia Tech under Pry and his predecessor, Justin Fuente. However, Franklin’s adaptive approach to the modern college football landscape could change things quickly in Blacksburg.
Franklin would be the program’s most successful head coach since Frank Beamer retired in 2015 after 29 seasons leading the Hokies. Franklin, who previously coached at Vanderbilt before joining Penn State, was 128-60 in his 15 seasons as head coach.
Despite this season’s struggles, Franklin was coming off a 2024 campaign that included an appearance in the College Football Playoff semifinals and a 2016 Big Ten Championship.
Penn State athletic director Pat Kraft gives a big hug to football coach James Franklin following the 33-24 win over Indiana at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in State College, Penn. (IMAGE)
With the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors approving a plan to add $229 million to its athletics budget over the next four years, hiring someone like Franklin – with his recruiting acumen – could make the Hokies an attractive destination for top talent from around the country.
Franklin was never expected to be available for hire, as the Nittany Lions opened the year ranked No. 3 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 spiral. That may now benefit the Hokies as they look to get the program back on track in an ACC that lacks true power.
Franklin never saw his Nittany Lions hoist a national championship trophy, as the team went 4-21 against AP Top 10 opponents during his tenure in 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, in State College, Pennsylvania. (Barry Reeger/AP Photo)
The last time the Hokies won double-digit games in a season was 2016. Franklin achieved that mark six times, including three consecutive campaigns from 2022-2024.
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Virginia Tech hopes Franklin can bring one back next season, and many more after that.
