James Franklin Introduced as Virginia Tech Head Coach

James Franklin, the longtime Penn State football coach, was introduced as Virginia Tech's new head coach on November 19, 2025, in Blacksburg, Virginia, marking a swift transition for both programs amid a turbulent coaching carousel season.

Franklin, 53, steps into the role after Penn State dismissed him on October 12 following a 0-3 start in Big Ten play that derailed preseason expectations of a national title run. His 12-year tenure at Penn State produced 128 wins, a 2016 Big Ten championship, seven top-12 finishes in the College Football Playoff rankings, and three New Year's Six bowl victories. He also guided the program through the aftermath of the Jerry Sandusky scandal, navigating NCAA sanctions to restore stability and develop NFL talents such as Saquon Barkley and Micah Parsons. Prior to Penn State, Franklin transformed Vanderbilt from a perennial SEC doormat, achieving three straight bowl appearances and back-to-back nine-win seasons from 2011 to 2013, a feat unmatched in the program's modern history.

Virginia Tech moved quickly to hire Franklin after firing Brent Pry earlier in November, following a 16-24 record over three-plus seasons that included an 0-3 start to...