Virginia Tech Set to Hire James Franklin as Head Coach

Blacksburg, Virginia – Virginia Tech is close to finalizing a deal to hire James Franklin as its new head football coach, sources confirmed to ESPN on Monday. The agreement could be completed soon.

Franklin, who previously coached Penn State and Vanderbilt, has an impressive record of 128-60 over 15 seasons, including a Big Ten championship in 2016 and an appearance in the semi-finals of the 2024 College Football Playoff.

His hiring comes on the heels of Virginia Tech’s decision to part ways with Brent Pry, who was let go in September after a disappointing start to the season, finishing with a 16-24 record over four years.

Franklin’s arrival marks a significant change for the Hokies, signaling a new era for a program that has struggled since the departure of Hall of Fame coach Frank Beamer in 2015. Virginia Tech has only had one 10-win season since then.

The university’s Board of Visitors recently approved a plan to invest $229 million into the athletics budget over the next four years, aimed at making the football program more competitive. This financial boost is intended to attract top candidates like Franklin.

Virginia Tech’s decision to pursue Franklin reflects their commitment to returning to the upper tier of college football. Franklin was among the top candidates after his surprising dismissal from Penn State earlier in 2025, where he had been highly regarded.

Despite his previous success, Franklin’s tenure at Penn State was marred by struggles against top-ranked teams, leaving him with a 4-21 record against AP Top 10 opponents. He hopes to change that narrative in Blacksburg.

With Franklin’s established connections, particularly in the talent-rich DMV area, Virginia Tech could see a resurgence in recruiting efforts. Over his career, he has proven to be an adept recruiter, helping his previous programs thrive.

As Franklin prepares to step into this new role, there is optimism within the Virginia Tech community that he can restore the program to its former glory.