Oct 11, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin stands on the field following the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

After a week that has featured quite a bit of rumors, ESPN's Pete Thamel confirmed on Saturday that former Penn State coach James Franklin has been in contact with Virginia Tech about its open head coaching job.

Franklin, who was fired by the Nittany Lions earlier this season amid a 3-3 start, will likely have multiple suitors in the upcoming coaching carousel cycle and has seen his name connected to several jobs.

Per Thamel, talks between Franklin and Virginia Tech are in the "early stages." The Hokies are reportedly still running a full search, but there's mutual interest between the two parties with a resolution on Franklin's candidacy expected "in the upcoming days."

Franklin had a 104-45 record in 12 years at Penn State, but after several years of struggling to get over the hump, his team completely collapsed as the preseason No. 2 squad in 2025. Now, he's one of the top candidates on the market in what is already a hectic coaching carousel cycle.

Virginia Tech is seeking a replacement for Brent Pry, who was fired after an 0-3 start this season and left Blacksburg with a 16-24 record, with his best finish being 7-6 in 2023.

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This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: James Franklin, Virginia Tech reportedly have 'mutual interest'

Reporting by Tyler Nettuno, College Sports Wire / College Sports Wire

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