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James Franklin has already found a new team to coach in college football following his firing by Penn State.
Franklin and Virginia Tech have reportedly reached an agreement to make him the next Hokies head football coach, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Over the weekend, a report surfaced stating that Franklin and Virginia Tech were “engaged in the early stages of conversations” about the role.
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Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin stands on the field after the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium on October 11, 2025 in University Park, Penn. (Matthew O’Haren/Imagn Images)
Franklin was fired by Penn State following the Nittany Lions’ loss to Northwestern, the program’s third straight loss and another shocker after a loss to UCLA the previous week. The Nittany Lions are now 4-6 on the season and 1-6 in Big Ten play.
Franklin will replace Brent Pry, his former defensive coordinator, after Pry was fired in September. The Hokies went 0-3 to start the year, and Pry had a 16-24 record through four seasons with the program.
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It’s been a rough few seasons for Virginia Tech under Pry and his predecessor, Justin Fuente. However, Franklin’s adaptive approach to the modern college football landscape could quickly turn things around in Blacksburg.
Franklin would be the most accomplished head coach for the program since Frank Beamer retired in 2015 after 29 seasons at the helm of the Hokies. Franklin, who previously coached at Vanderbilt before joining Penn State, went 128-60 over his 15 seasons as the head coach.
Despite this season’s struggles, Franklin was coming off a 2024 campaign that included a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance and a Big Ten Championship in 2016.
Penn State athletic director Pat Kraft gives football coach James Franklin a big hug after a 33-24 win over Indiana at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in State College, Penn. (IMAGIN)
With Virginia Tech’s board of visitors approving a plan to add $229 million to its athletics budget over the next four years, hiring someone like Franklin — with his recruiting acumen — could make the Hokies an attractive destination for top talent across the country.
Franklin was never expected to be available for hire as the Nittany Lions opened the year ranked No. 3 in the nation. But after three straight wins to open the season, a double-overtime loss to No. 6 Oregon sent Penn State into a spiral. That could now benefit the Hokies as they look to get the program back on track in an ACC that lacks a true powerhouse.
Franklin never saw his Nittany Lions lift a national championship trophy as the team went 4-21 against AP Top 10 opponents during his tenure in State College.
Penn State head coach James Franklin reacts during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Northwestern, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in State College, Penn. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
The Hokies last won double-digit games in a season in 2016. Franklin accomplished that mark six times, including three straight campaigns from 2022 to 2024.
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Virginia Tech will be hoping Franklin can bring one next season — and many more after that.
