Virginia Tech just shook up the college football scene by hiring former Penn State coach James Franklin. The move’s already getting a ton of buzz, and it’s not just fans talking—legendary Florida and Ohio State coach Urban Meyer has chimed in with some strong words of approval.
On an episode of The Triple Option podcast with Mark Ingram and Rob Stone, Meyer called the hire a great one. Franklin’s career, Meyer’s endorsement, and the ripple effects for Virginia Tech are all worth a closer look.
Urban Meyer’s Endorsement of James Franklin
Urban Meyer, who knows a thing or two about winning championships, hasn’t been shy about his respect for James Franklin. Having coached against him, Meyer made it clear he’s a fan of Franklin’s approach.
He pointed out that Franklin hasn’t quite reached the absolute top of college football, but that doesn’t take away from the guy’s ability to win a lot of games in tough spots. Meyer didn’t gloss over Franklin’s 4-21 record against top-10 teams, which is, well, pretty rough.
Still, one of those four wins stands out—a massive 2016 upset, when Franklin’s unranked Penn State squad knocked off No. 2 Ohio State, 24-21. And then there were those back-to-back one-point heartbreakers against Ohio State after that, both when the teams were ranked in the top 10. Franklin’s teams showed they could hang with the best, even if the record doesn’t always show it.
Franklin’s Track Record at Penn State
Franklin’s time at Penn State had its ups and downs, but you can’t ignore the numbers. Over 11 full seasons, he racked up a 104-45 record and hit double-digit wins in six of those years.
Just last year, he led Penn State to the College Football Playoff semifinals. Then, things unraveled—Franklin was fired in October after a rocky 3-3 start, including surprising losses to UCLA and Northwestern. The team had started the year ranked No. 2, so the letdown was real.
Despite the abrupt ending, Franklin’s knack for steady, winning seasons and his experience in big games make him a pretty intriguing fit for Virginia Tech.
Virginia Tech’s Decision to Hire Franklin
This hire signals a real shift for Virginia Tech. Their last coach, Brent Pry, was Franklin’s former defensive coordinator at Penn State, and he arrived with a lot of hype.
But Pry’s stint just never really took off—he went 16-24 over three and a half seasons before getting let go this year. Now, they’re turning to someone with a much longer track record.
Franklin brings serious experience and a pile of wins. Urban Meyer even said bringing in a proven winner is a smart move. Instead of rolling the dice on another coordinator, Virginia Tech’s betting on someone who’s already done the job, and that could make a difference.
Why This Hire Matters for Virginia Tech
Franklin’s arrival could be the jolt Virginia Tech needs. His history at Penn State shows he can build and maintain a competitive team, and his recruiting chops are well known.
Virginia Tech will be counting on him to bring in top talent. Plus, Franklin’s already seen what it’s like to coach in big conferences and high-pressure games, which should serve him well in the ACC.
Honestly, it’s hard not to be a little optimistic if you’re a Hokies fan right now. Franklin’s leadership and vision seem to fit what Virginia Tech’s aiming for—a shot at becoming a real powerhouse again. Maybe this is the move that finally gets them there.
Conclusion
Virginia Tech’s move to hire James Franklin as their new head coach has sparked quite a bit of chatter in the college football world. Endorsements from big names like Urban Meyer haven’t gone unnoticed, either.
Franklin brings a solid track record, plenty of experience, and a leadership style that just feels right for the Hokies. Could his arrival be the boost Virginia Tech needs to get back in the spotlight? Maybe—it’s tough to say for sure, but the optimism is hard to ignore.
For more on what Urban Meyer had to say about Franklin, check out the full article on Sports Illustrated.
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