James Franklin and Virginia Tech are reportedly finalizing an agreement to make him the school's next head coach.

ESPN's Pete Thamel reported on Monday evening that Franklin and Virginia Tech are working to close the deal to bring the former Penn State coach to Blacksburg, Virginia. He reported that the deal is "expected to be completed in the near future."

Franklin was fired on Oct. 12 , one day after the team's homecoming loss to Northwestern . He also lost to Oregon and UCLA in the weeks leading up to his firing. Associate head coach Terry Smith has been serving as the Nittany Lions' interim head coach .

Franklin had a record of 104-45 in 11 seasons in Happy Valley, making him the second-winningest coach in the program's history.

He will replace Brent Pry in

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