James Franklin was named Virginia Tech’s head football coach on Monday, just over a month after being dismissed during his 12th season at Penn State. With his hiring, the Hokies became the first Power 4 program to fill a coaching vacancy this season. Franklin is set to be formally introduced at a news conference on Wednesday morning. According to ESPN, Franklin takes over for his former defensive coordinator, Brent Pry, who was dismissed in September after an 0-3 start and a 16-24 record over four seasons with the Hokies.
Franklin was let go by Penn State on October 12, a day after the Nittany Lions fell to Northwestern at home, dropping to a 3-3 record. The 53-year-old Franklin compiled a 104-45 record at Penn State, highlighted by a Big Ten championship in 2016, a Fiesta Bowl win in 2017, and a Rose Bowl victory in 2022. Last season, he guided the Nittany Lions to a first-round triumph in the College Football Playoff.
“Virginia Tech has attracted and hired an incredible head coach and extraordinary recruiter in James Franklin. The Board of Visitors enthusiastically supports this hire,” said John Rocovich, Rector of the Board of Visitors, in a statement. “We signal to Hokie Nation, and the entire nation, the shared importance of athletic support and success.”
Franklin brings over 30 years of collegiate coaching experience, most recently as head coach at Penn State. He holds a career head coaching record of 128-60 and is one of just three active FBS coaches with a winning percentage above .680 and more than 14 years of head coaching experience. His 104 wins during 12 seasons at Penn State rank second in school history.
“I’m honored and humbled to join the Hokie family,” Franklin said in a statement. “My vision is simple: to restore unmatched excellence, to build something that lasts, and to serve this university, the Commonwealth of Virginia and our amazing fan base with honor, integrity, and passion. I look forward to getting to work with our players, our staff, and the entire Virginia Tech community.”
The terms of Franklin’s contract were not disclosed. Before Virginia Tech hired him, Penn State was still facing a buyout obligation of nearly $50 million, reported AP.
Virginia Tech has pledged to give Franklin the support required for long-term success. According to AP, the Board of Visitors approved a plan in late September, to inject $229 million into the athletic department over the next four years, with much of the investment aimed at strengthening the football program.
A Langhorne, Pennsylvania native, Franklin starred as a quarterback at East Stroudsburg University, where he was a four-year letterman, two-time All-PSAC pick, and set or tied 23 school records before earning his psychology degree. He later completed a master’s in educational leadership at Washington State.
During his tenure at Penn State, Franklin coached 18 All-Americans, 32 national award winners or finalists, and 59 NFL Draft picks. Across his first 14 seasons as a head coach, he guided 116 players who went on to reach the NFL. Here’s a look at Franklin’s complete coaching career, as outlined in Virginia Tech’s official statement.
Franklin was let go by Penn State on October 12, a day after the Nittany Lions fell to Northwestern at home, dropping to a 3-3 record. The 53-year-old Franklin compiled a 104-45 record at Penn State, highlighted by a Big Ten championship in 2016, a Fiesta Bowl win in 2017, and a Rose Bowl victory in 2022. Last season, he guided the Nittany Lions to a first-round triumph in the College Football Playoff.
“Virginia Tech has attracted and hired an incredible head coach and extraordinary recruiter in James Franklin. The Board of Visitors enthusiastically supports this hire,” said John Rocovich, Rector of the Board of Visitors, in a statement. “We signal to Hokie Nation, and the entire nation, the shared importance of athletic support and success.”
Franklin brings over 30 years of collegiate coaching experience, most recently as head coach at Penn State. He holds a career head coaching record of 128-60 and is one of just three active FBS coaches with a winning percentage above .680 and more than 14 years of head coaching experience. His 104 wins during 12 seasons at Penn State rank second in school history.
“I’m honored and humbled to join the Hokie family,” Franklin said in a statement. “My vision is simple: to restore unmatched excellence, to build something that lasts, and to serve this university, the Commonwealth of Virginia and our amazing fan base with honor, integrity, and passion. I look forward to getting to work with our players, our staff, and the entire Virginia Tech community.”
The terms of Franklin’s contract were not disclosed. Before Virginia Tech hired him, Penn State was still facing a buyout obligation of nearly $50 million, reported AP.
Virginia Tech has pledged to give Franklin the support required for long-term success. According to AP, the Board of Visitors approved a plan in late September, to inject $229 million into the athletic department over the next four years, with much of the investment aimed at strengthening the football program.
A Langhorne, Pennsylvania native, Franklin starred as a quarterback at East Stroudsburg University, where he was a four-year letterman, two-time All-PSAC pick, and set or tied 23 school records before earning his psychology degree. He later completed a master’s in educational leadership at Washington State.
FRANKLIN’S COACHING CAREER
During his tenure at Penn State, Franklin coached 18 All-Americans, 32 national award winners or finalists, and 59 NFL Draft picks. Across his first 14 seasons as a head coach, he guided 116 players who went on to reach the NFL. Here’s a look at Franklin’s complete coaching career, as outlined in Virginia Tech’s official statement.
- 2014-25 - Penn State (Head Coach)
- 2011-13 - Vanderbilt (Head Coach)
- 2008-10 - Maryland (Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks)
- 2006-07 - Kansas State (Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks)
- 2005 - Green Bay Packers (Wide Receivers)
- 2000-04 - Maryland (Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coordinator)
- 1999 - Idaho State (Wide Receivers)
- 1998 - Washington State (Graduate Assistant/Tight Ends)
- 1997 - James Madison (Wide Receivers)
- 1996 - East Stroudsburg (Graduate Assistant/Secondary)
- 1995 - Kutztown University (Wide Receivers)
