James Franklin Joins Virginia Tech as New Head Coach

James Franklin has been named the new head coach of Virginia Tech, following his dismissal from Penn State just weeks ago. This announcement, made on the evening of October 16, 2023, marks a significant turnaround for both Franklin and the Hokies as they seek to regain national relevance in college football.

Franklin’s hiring is not only a strategic move for Virginia Tech but also serves to reduce the financial implications of his buyout from Penn State. The Nittany Lions will benefit from this transition as they navigate their own challenges in the aftermath of Franklin’s tenure, which lasted over 11 seasons. His exit from Penn State came after a disappointing season, culminating in a 4-21 record against top-10 opponents, including a particularly troubling 1-10 record against Ohio State.

While Franklin’s legacy at Penn State is marred by missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential, he is recognized as a formidable program builder. His past achievements at both Vanderbilt and Penn State demonstrate his capacity for revitalizing struggling teams. At Vanderbilt, he transformed a program that had endured back-to-back two-win seasons into a competitive force, leading them to bowl games in his first season and achieving nine wins in consecutive years.

Virginia Tech’s decision to hire Franklin signals a renewed commitment to football excellence. The Hokies have not been nationally relevant for quite some time, with their last appearance in a BCS/New Year’s Six game dating back to January 3, 2012. Under previous head coaches Frank Beamer, Justin Fuente, and Brent Pry, the team’s performance has been lackluster, with a combined record of 59-55 since Beamer’s retirement.

The Hokies are aiming to change that narrative. In September 2023, the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors approved a plan to inject an impressive $229 million into the athletic department budget over the next four years. This financial commitment reflects the university’s desire to elevate its football program and compete at a higher level.

Franklin’s ability to attract top talent is expected to be a major asset for Virginia Tech. His successful recruiting efforts in Virginia during his time at Penn State have already laid the groundwork for a promising future. The Hokies’ fan base, which has experienced frustration in recent years, is hopeful that Franklin’s leadership will reinvigorate their program.

Despite the optimism surrounding his appointment, Franklin’s past shortcomings will undoubtedly be scrutinized. Virginia Tech does not face the same level of competition as Penn State in the Big Ten, which could allow him to rebuild the program more effectively. The current landscape of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) presents opportunities, as traditional powerhouses like Clemson and Florida State are struggling this season.

As Franklin embarks on this new chapter in his coaching career, the focus will be on his ability to turn Virginia Tech into a competitive force once again. His track record, while imperfect, suggests that he has the potential to achieve that goal. The Hokies and their supporters are eager to see how this partnership unfolds, with the hope that Franklin can restore the program to its former glory.