Virginia Tech Reportedly Targeting Former Penn State Coach James Franklin for Head Coaching Vacancy

The Virginia Tech football program has begun its search for a new head coach following the dismissal of Brent Pry earlier this season. According to On3 Sports, one of the biggest names linked to the Hokies’ vacancy is former Penn State coach James Franklin, who was fired earlier this year after more than a decade in State College. The potential hire signals Virginia Tech’s ambition to make a significant splash as it rebuilds its football identity.

Franklin, 53, brings both a strong résumé and a complicated legacy. He was dismissed after Penn State dropped three straight Big Ten contests to Oregon, UCLA, and Northwestern — losses that underscored a long-standing criticism of his inability to win marquee games. Despite that, his overall track record remains impressive, with six double-digit win seasons and a reputation for turning programs around.

“Sources have connected former Penn State head coach James Franklin to the Virginia Tech job,” On3’s Pete Nakos reported. “Franklin’s 4-21 record against AP top-10 opponents at Penn State and repeated failure to beat the best teams on his schedule were what ultimately got him. But he consistently won at a high level.” Nakos also noted Franklin’s earlier success in the SEC, where he led Vanderbilt to consecutive nine-win seasons — a rare feat in Nashville.

Franklin’s candidacy would mark a full-circle moment for the Hokies. Brent Pry, the coach he would replace, once served on Franklin’s Penn State staff as defensive coordinator. Now, Virginia Tech’s leadership appears ready to look toward Franklin himself for the program’s next chapter.

1. A Rebuilding Program with Lofty Ambitions

Virginia Tech’s decision to part ways with Pry followed two-and-a-half seasons of inconsistent play. Pry’s tenure began with optimism but quickly soured after repeated early-season struggles, including this year’s opening loss to Old Dominion. That defeat — against an in-state Group of Five opponent — set the tone for what became a 3–6 campaign, leading to his dismissal. The Hokies’ struggles have been both offensive and defensive, with the team failing to sustain success in conference play. While Virginia Tech’s defense showed flashes of potential, its offense has remained stagnant, ranking near the bottom of the ACC in scoring and total yards. The instability has fueled frustration among fans longing for the program’s former glory. Administrators in Blacksburg believe the time is right to make a major investment in football. The school recently announced plans to allocate more than $200 million toward athletic upgrades — including facilities that could help attract elite coaches and recruits. That financial commitment could make the Hokies a more appealing destination for high-profile candidates such as Franklin. In addition to Franklin, other names mentioned in early speculation include former Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher, who remains one of the most recognizable free agents in the coaching market. Both men have experience in high-pressure environments and could provide the stability and recruiting credibility that Virginia Tech has lacked since Frank Beamer’s retirement.

2. Franklin’s Resume and the Coaching Carousel

Franklin’s name is likely to come up in multiple coaching searches this cycle, reflecting his reputation as a proven program-builder. Though his tenure at Penn State ended on a sour note, his overall record — 88 wins in 11 seasons — and his success at Vanderbilt have kept him in demand. His blend of high-level recruiting, player development, and media savvy could make him an appealing figure for a program seeking renewed national relevance. At Penn State, Franklin guided the Nittany Lions through a turbulent post-sanctions era, delivering a Big Ten Championship in 2016 and consistent top-15 finishes. However, his inability to consistently defeat top-ranked teams like Michigan and Ohio State became a recurring criticism that ultimately cost him his position. Still, few available coaches can match his combination of Power 4 experience, recruiting reach, and record of sustained competitiveness. Virginia Tech’s pursuit of Franklin — or a coach of his stature — underscores how quickly the coaching carousel is spinning this fall. Auburn fired Hugh Freeze on Sunday after another disappointing campaign, joining a growing list of programs seeking new leadership. The movement has created a competitive hiring environment that could pressure schools to move quickly to secure their preferred candidates. For Franklin, a fresh start at Virginia Tech would offer an opportunity to reestablish himself in the national conversation. For the Hokies, it could be the bold move that reignites a fan base hungry for success.

3. Reviving a Proud Tradition

Once a perennial power under legendary coach Frank Beamer, Virginia Tech football has struggled to find consistency since his retirement in 2015. Beamer’s era — highlighted by stars like Michael Vick and a 1999 national championship appearance — set a standard that subsequent coaches have struggled to meet. Since joining the ACC, the Hokies have been known for their defense and special teams but have failed to maintain that trademark intensity in recent years. A potential hire like Franklin would represent not just a coaching change, but a philosophical reset. His recruiting acumen, national connections, and emphasis on player development could help Virginia Tech rebuild its talent base and compete again in the upper tier of the ACC. However, expectations would be immediate — Hokies fans are eager for results after nearly a decade of middling finishes. As the school continues its search, athletic director Whit Babcock faces one of the most consequential decisions in program history. The next head coach will inherit a passionate fan base, upgraded facilities, and a desire to return to the national stage — but also the pressure to deliver quickly. Virginia Tech’s next game comes against No. 5 Florida State on November 15, a matchup that highlights just how far the Hokies must climb to rejoin college football’s elite.