Fallen Penn State Coach James Franklin Lands Top Job at Virginia Tech

In a surprising move, Virginia Tech has hired James Franklin as their new head football coach. The announcement comes just two months after Franklin was fired by Penn State amid a 3-3 start to the 2025 season.

Franklin spent 12 successful seasons at Penn State, leading the Nittany Lions to 10 bowl games and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024. However, a disappointing start to this season ultimately cost him his job in State College.

Now, Franklin will look to turn around a Virginia Tech program that has struggled in recent years. The Hokies have not appeared in a New Year's Six bowl since 2011 and have not been ranked in the AP Top 25 since 2021. With Franklin's proven track record of winning at both the SEC and Big Ten levels, the Hokies are hoping he can help them capitalize on the current downturn of traditional ACC powers like Clemson and Florida State.

Franklin's hiring also brings valuable recruiting ties to the Mid-Atlantic region, an area he prioritized during his time at Penn State. The Hokies will be counting on Franklin to quickly assemble a talented roster and get the program back on track to competing for ACC titles.