Whit Babcock, Virginia Tech’s athletic director, addressed the university board early in 2025 and made a compelling case: the Hokies must make substantial investments in their football program in order to escape the ACC cellar. Virginia Tech was near the bottom in the ACC for funding despite strong fan support and a long tradition. They have had five losing seasons in the last six years, and their program has deteriorated since legendary coach Frank Beamer’s retirement. Virginia Tech fundamentally needed someone who could step in and bring the program into the new era of college sports. Virginia Tech has exceeded its expectations in hiring James Franklin. Franklin is the most qualified coach in the market and one of the best coaches to ever enter free agency. Franklin ranked No. CBS Sports’ ranking for the best coaches of the sport ranked Franklin at No. He has a career record of 128-60 and led Penn State to the National Semifinals in just one year.
Franklin’s failures in college football were brought to light after his dismissal from Penn State. Franklin’s 2-21 record in games against the top six AP opponents is the second worst record for any coach who has played at least 20 of these games. (Ironically, behind Virginia Tech legend Frank Beamer). Virginia Tech looked past it.
James Franklin, former Penn State coach, is hired by Virginia Tech
Will Backus
James Franklin, Virginia Tech’s new home-run hire, is a great fit. Let’s take a minute to talk about Franklin. In his first position at Vanderbilt he led the Commodores in winning 18 games in just two seasons. Clark Lea has earned his flowers for a good reason, but he couldn’t even match the mark without winning out. Franklin won his first Big Ten title for Penn State in over 20 years. In 12 years, the Nittany Lions had six seasons with 10 wins and five AP Top 10 finishes. Two hands can count the number of programs who could achieve that feat.
It’s true that the Franklin era ended with a major disappointment. Penn State had invested heavily in the 2025 roster. However, after a 3-3 season — which included a defeat to Northwestern — Franklin was dismissed. Franklin had to take responsibility for a season that was a trainwreck. At Virginia Tech, however, these problems are nothing to be concerned about. Franklin is without doubt one of the greatest program builders of this century. At Virginia Tech, Franklin should make a big impact. Franklin had a lot of leverage when it came to the coaching job market, particularly as many Power Four jobs began to open. Nine Power Four programs already have fired their head coaches. Virginia Tech, however, was the obvious choice because of his background and Northeast connections. He was also able to secure important concessions in exchange for accepting the position. It’s unlikely that he would accept the Virginia Tech position if they continued to be a low-budget school.
Franklin served as Maryland’s assistant coach for many years. At one point, he was named Maryland’s head coach-in waiting. Franklin also recruited Pennsylvania Virginia and New Jersey, becoming one the most successful coaches of the region. Franklin is in a good position to defend Virginia Tech at a moment when the SEC, and other major players have begun raiding Virginia. Franklin is also a tough CEO. He maximized Penn State’s recruiting potential and fan support. Franklin is also a proven recruiter of assistant coaches. (Ironically, this includes Brent Pry who he replaces). He will become the dominant figure in the athletic department, and he’ll win over Southern Virginia. Virginia Tech’s athletic department and fanbase are passionate, with a long history of success. James Franklin can bring them back.
2025-11-17 22:18:24
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