In a surprising twist, James Franklin has been introduced as the new head coach of Virginia Tech. Hokies fans are buzzing with excitement.
This move comes after a rocky season for Franklin at Penn State. His tenure there ended suddenly after a string of tough losses.
Franklin carries a strong track record and some pretty high expectations. He’s aiming to breathe new life into Virginia Tech’s football program—maybe even turn it into a national powerhouse, though that’s easier said than done.
James Franklin’s Rocky End at Penn State
Franklin’s journey at Penn State wrapped up in a way no one really saw coming, especially after such a promising start. The Nittany Lions began the year ranked No. 2 but then stumbled through a series of setbacks.
Despite having most of their key players back, Penn State’s season spiraled after a double-overtime loss to Oregon. Things only got worse with shocking defeats to winless UCLA and Northwestern.
These losses ended up being the last straw for Franklin. He’d previously guided Penn State to some major successes, like two College Football Playoff games and almost snagging a national championship.
Franklin’s Achievements at Penn State
Over 12 seasons, Franklin rebuilt Penn State into a national contender. Under his leadership, the Nittany Lions notched six 10-win seasons and made two Big Ten championship games, winning the title in 2016.
Players like Saquon Barkley and Micah Parsons emerged during his time there, which says a lot about his recruiting and development chops. Still, his record against ranked teams raised eyebrows—a 15-28 mark against top-25 teams and just 4-21 against top-10 competition.
Virginia Tech’s New Era
Virginia Tech’s decision to bring in James Franklin signals a new chapter for the Hokies. The program’s struggled since 2019, missing out on winning seasons and dealing with coaching turnover.
Franklin’s arrival is seen as a bold move to restore some of that old Hokie magic. He’s already shown plenty of enthusiasm for the challenge ahead.
He’s said he wants to turn Virginia Tech into a real contender in the ACC—and maybe even beyond. That’s a tall order, but he seems up for it.
Franklin’s Vision for Virginia Tech
At his introductory news conference, Franklin talked a lot about building a competitive team. He pointed to Virginia Tech’s rich history and traditions as things he wants to lean into.
He’s hoping to use lessons from his past to shape the future here. Franklin’s energy and recruiting skills could be game-changers for the program.
He’s already reached out to legendary coach Frank Beamer for his blessing. Franklin’s also started connecting with the community and potential recruits, which feels like a smart move.
Contract Details and Financial Implications
Franklin’s move to Virginia Tech comes with some serious financial numbers. His contract is a five-year deal worth at least $41.75 million.
His salary will rise from $6 million in 2026 to over $13 million by 2030. This came after a settlement with Penn State—his original buyout was nearly $49 million, but they agreed to a $9 million settlement.
Comparisons to Previous Contracts
At Penn State, Franklin made $8.5 million a year, putting him among the highest-paid coaches in the nation. His new deal at Virginia Tech makes him one of the top earners in the ACC, just edging out Miami’s Mario Cristobal.
This financial commitment shows Virginia Tech’s faith in Franklin’s ability to turn things around. They’re clearly betting big on his leadership.
Franklin’s Coaching Journey
Franklin’s coaching career has been a steady climb. He started out as a position coach, mostly working with wide receivers, and then moved up to offensive coordinator at Kansas State in 2006.
From 2008 to 2010, he was assistant head coach at Maryland and built a reputation as a top recruiter. His first head coaching job was at Vanderbilt, where he pulled off back-to-back nine-win seasons—a huge deal for that program.
Success at Vanderbilt
Franklin’s run at Vanderbilt caught Penn State’s eye when Bill O’Brien left for the NFL. At Penn State, Franklin totaled 104 wins, second only to Joe Paterno.
He led the team to multiple bowl games and a Big Ten championship, which really boosted his reputation. Still, his struggles against top-10 teams—just a .160 winning percentage—remained a sticking point for critics.
Looking Ahead
James Franklin is stepping in at Virginia Tech, and honestly, there’s a real buzz among Hokies fans. People are hoping his reputation and energy will spark something big.
He’s got a knack for recruiting and brings a lot of experience. Still, nobody’s pretending the road ahead will be easy.
Franklin’s vision? It’s ambitious, and maybe that’s what this program needs. Folks—analysts, fans, even the skeptics—are going to be watching every move as he starts this new chapter.
If you want to dig deeper into Franklin’s move and his time at Penn State, check out the full article over at the Palm Beach Post.
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