James Franklin Set to Become Virginia Tech’s Next Head Coach

Virginia Tech football is poised to name James Franklin as its new head coach, marking the first Power Four coaching vacancy filled for the 2025-26 cycle. Franklin, recently dismissed from Penn State, has been without a team since October 12, when the Nittany Lions ended his tenure following a third consecutive loss.

According to ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel, Franklin and Virginia Tech are “finalizing an agreement,” with the deal expected to be completed soon. His arrival signals a major move for a program seeking to regain prominence after several underwhelming seasons.

Franklin brings a winning pedigree to Blacksburg, having accumulated 128 career victories and winning 68% of his games. His resume includes a Big Ten title in 2016 and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024, reflecting his ability to maintain competitive teams at the highest levels.

Beyond wins and titles, Franklin is credited with rebuilding Penn State during a tumultuous era following NCAA sanctions stemming from the Jerry Sandusky scandal. His experience navigating high-pressure programs and restoring culture makes him an attractive fit for Virginia Tech, which is aiming to revitalize its program.

1. Franklin’s Coaching Background

James Franklin began his head coaching career at Vanderbilt from 2011 to 2013, where he quickly turned around a struggling program. He then spent 11 seasons at Penn State, establishing the Nittany Lions as a consistent top-25 contender. During his tenure at Penn State, Franklin led the team to multiple bowl appearances, a Big Ten championship in 2016, and a College Football Playoff berth in 2024. He demonstrated a consistent ability to develop players and maintain competitiveness despite challenges on and off the field. Franklin’s leadership style emphasizes culture, accountability, and recruiting excellence. At Penn State, he became known for stabilizing a program that was dealing with the long-term effects of NCAA sanctions, demonstrating his capability to rebuild and motivate a roster in transition. His success in turning around programs with rich histories makes him an ideal candidate for a Virginia Tech program that has struggled to reach elite levels consistently since the Frank Beamer era.

2. Recruiting and Regional Connections

A key asset Franklin brings to Virginia Tech is his recruiting acumen. He has deep ties in the DMV region—encompassing Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia—which is fertile ground for top-tier football talent. Franklin has consistently leveraged these connections to secure high-impact recruits, a skill the Hokies will need to restore competitiveness in the ACC. His familiarity with the “I-95 corridor” gives Virginia Tech a recruiting edge in a highly competitive region. The Hokies have struggled in recent years, posting just one 10-win season since Frank Beamer’s departure and failing to win more than seven games in any regular season during the 2020s. Franklin’s ability to attract and develop talent could be a turning point for the program. By combining proven coaching success with strong recruiting networks, Franklin is positioned to reshape Virginia Tech’s roster and culture, aiming to return the Hokies to national relevance.

3. Looking Ahead at Virginia Tech

James Franklin succeeds Brent Pry, who was fired after an 0-3 start to the 2025 season and an embarrassing loss to Old Dominion. Pry finished with a 16-24 overall record, and Phillip Montgomery served as interim coach following his dismissal. Franklin’s hiring represents his third head coaching stop, adding to his previous tenures at Vanderbilt and Penn State. Each of these experiences provides him with the tools to navigate program-building, in-game strategy, and recruiting in the highly competitive ACC landscape. Virginia Tech now has the opportunity to pair Franklin with its current roster, focusing on culture, performance, and talent acquisition. His leadership could stabilize the program and provide a path to consistent winning seasons in the coming years. The Hokies’ administration hopes Franklin’s presence will reignite fan excitement and energize the program, setting the stage for a return to postseason relevance and ACC competitiveness.