Why did Virginia Tech bet big on James Franklin—And what game-changing impact will he bring to the Hokies?
Virginia Tech has appointed James Franklin as its next head football coach, marking one of the most significant leadership changes in the program in nearly a decade. The decision was jointly announced by the university’s Board of Visitors, President Tim Sands, and Athletics Director Whit Babcock, who described the hire as a major step toward revitalizing the Hokies’ competitive edge on the national stage.
Franklin, the former Penn State and Vanderbilt head coach, brings more than three decades of collegiate coaching experience to Blacksburg. He is scheduled to be formally introduced at a public press conference on Wednesday, November 19, at Cassell Coliseum, with live streaming available across Virginia Tech’s digital platforms.
University officials emphasized that the choice of Franklin reflects a unified effort between school leadership, the athletics department, and members of a high-profile search committee. They noted that the decision aligns with an ongoing “Invest to Win” strategy aimed at returning Hokies football to consistent national relevance.
Franklin arrives with a career record of 128–60, making him one of the most accomplished active coaches in college football. During his 12 seasons at Penn State, he accumulated 104 victories—the second-highest total in program history—and guided the Nittany Lions to a Big Ten championship in 2016, seven top-12 College Football Playoff rankings, and multiple New Year’s Six bowl appearances. He has also coached over 100 athletes who advanced to the NFL.
Prior to his time in State College, Franklin turned Vanderbilt into one of the SEC’s most improved programs. From 2011 to 2013, he led the Commodores to three consecutive bowl games—an unprecedented run for the school—and back-to-back nine-win seasons. His tenure featured milestones such as their first appearance in national polls in decades and notable victories over long-standing rivals.
Franklin expressed appreciation for the opportunity at Virginia Tech, stating that he intends to build stability, elevate performance standards, and engage deeply with the university community. He described his objective as creating a sustainable culture rooted in discipline, competitiveness, and player development.
His appointment follows a challenging stretch for the Hokies, who have struggled for consistency since the retirement of longtime head coach Frank Beamer in 2015. The program’s last double-digit win season occurred in 2016, and recent campaigns under former coaches Justin Fuente and Brent Pry failed to meet expectations. Pry was dismissed earlier this season after an 0–3 start, with the university shortly afterward approving a $229 million budget expansion for athletics.
Franklin’s move also carries implications for Penn State, which parted ways with him in October after an unexpected downturn that included three straight losses. His departure triggered a contractual settlement reducing the buyout amount previously owed by the university.
With strong recruiting ties across the East Coast and a reputation for turning underperforming teams into disciplined contenders, Franklin is widely viewed as a strategic choice for a program looking to regain momentum. His first season will be closely watched as Virginia Tech attempts to rebuild its identity in a rapidly evolving college football landscape.
FAQ
Who is James Franklin?
James Franklin is a veteran college football coach with 30+ years of experience, previously head coach at Vanderbilt and Penn State.
Why did Virginia Tech hire him?
The school aims to rebuild its football program with a proven leader known for program stability, recruiting strength, and competitive success.
When will Franklin be introduced?
He will be officially introduced on Wednesday, November 19, at Cassell Coliseum.
What is his career record?
Franklin holds a 128–60 career record as a head coach.
What happened at Penn State?
He was dismissed after a poor start to the 2025 season, ending a 12-year tenure.