James Franklin

By Zak Failla From Daily Voice

Virginia Tech didn’t just make a hire on Monday — it made a statement.

James Franklin, the nationally recognized program-builder who turned Penn State into a perennial contender before it all collapsed this season, is officially the new head coach of Hokies Football, university officials announced in Blacksburg.

The move marks a major swing for the Hokies, who said the hire reflects "total alignment between the Board of Visitors, University leadership, and the school’s Search Committee as part of an 'Invest to Win' push to restore the program to national prominence."

Franklin, who fell out of favor at Penn State after leading the team to a 3-3 record — including three straight losses — will be formally introduced at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, at Carilion Clinic Court at Cassell Coliseum. 

“Virginia Tech has attracted and hired an incredible head coach and extraordinary recruiter in James Franklin. The Board of Visitors enthusiastically supports this hire,” Rector John Rocovich said.

Franklin arrives in Blacksburg with more than 30 years of college coaching experience, a 128-60 career record, and a résumé that reads like a blueprint for building contenders. 

His 104 wins at Penn State are the second-most in program history, and he’s one of only three active FBS coaches with a winning percentage above 68 percent and at least 14 years of head coaching experience.

President Tim Sands called the hire “unprecedented collaboration” between athletics leadership, alumni, former NFL coaches, and major supporters.

“James will provide the leadership and inspiration our student-athletes need, and the performance on the field that our University community, alumni, and fans expect and deserve,” Sands said. “I can’t wait to be in Lane Stadium when he leads the team out of the tunnel for the first time.”

Over nine seasons at Penn State, Franklin rebuilt the Nittany Lions into a consistent national factor — producing seven top-12 CFP finishes, seven New Year’s Six bowl appearances, four NY6 bowl wins, and the 2016 Big Ten Championship.

Athletic Director Whit Babcock called Franklin’s arrival “a landmark moment.”

“James Franklin embodies the spirit, vision, and relentless pursuit of excellence that will elevate Virginia Tech Football back on the national stage where it belongs,” Babcock said.

Before Penn State, Franklin turned Vanderbilt into a historic overachiever, delivering back-to-back 9-win seasons, a ranked finish, and the program’s first three-straight bowl appearances.

In his first public remarks as Hokies head coach, Franklin said he’s ready to get to work.

“I’m honored and humbled to join the Hokie family,” he said. “My vision is simple: to restore unmatched excellence, to build something that lasts, and to serve this University, the Commonwealth of Virginia and our amazing fan base with honor, integrity, and passion.”

Franklin coached 18 All-Americans, 32 national award winners or finalists, and 59 NFL Draft picks. He crossed the 100-win mark at Penn State in 2024.

As part of his deal, Franklin — who was owed a $49 million buyout after being ousted at Penn State — reportedly reworked his deal with the Nittany Lions before moving on to Virginia Tech. 

The Langhorne, Pennsylvania native is a former standout quarterback at East Stroudsburg University, where he set or tied 23 school records before earning a master’s degree from Washington State.

Virginia Tech begins its next chapter Wednesday morning — and this one starts with fireworks.