Mon Nov 17 21:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Virginia Tech Poised to Name James Franklin as New Head Coach in Stunning Hire

Blacksburg, VA – Virginia Tech is on the verge of finalizing a deal to name former Penn State coach James Franklin as its next head coach, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Monday. The move comes after the Hokies fired Brent Pry in September following a disappointing 16-24 record across four seasons.

Franklin, boasting a 128-60 record over 15 seasons at Penn State and Vanderbilt, brings a proven track record to Blacksburg, including a Big Ten championship (2016) and a College Football Playoff semi-final appearance (2024). His arrival is expected to revitalize a program struggling to regain its footing since the retirement of legendary coach Frank Beamer in 2015.

The hire marks a significant investment in the football program. Following Pry’s dismissal, the university’s Board of Visitors approved a plan to inject $229 million into the athletic budget over the next four years, signaling a commitment to attracting top-tier coaching talent.

Franklin’s departure from Penn State comes after a rocky start to the 2025 season, marked by three consecutive losses, including a double-overtime defeat to Oregon. While Penn State initially faced a $49 million buyout, the figure is expected to be significantly reduced thanks to the Virginia Tech agreement.

While Franklin’s time at Penn State included navigating NCAA sanctions stemming from the Jerry Sandusky scandal and achieving consistent success, he ultimately struggled to break through against top-10 opponents, holding a 4-21 record. Still, he delivered six seasons of double-digit wins, including three consecutive from 2022-2024.

The Hokies haven’t reached double-digit wins since 2016.

Franklin’s strong recruiting ties to the I-95 corridor, particularly the talent-rich DMV area (D.C., Maryland, Virginia), are seen as a major asset for Virginia Tech. He previously coached at Maryland and James Madison. This hire promises to bring a new era of competition and excitement to Virginia Tech football.

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