James Franklin Hired as Virginia Tech’s New Head Coach

James Franklin has officially been appointed as the new head coach of the Virginia Tech Hokies, just weeks after his dismissal from Penn State. The announcement was made on the evening of October 30, 2023, marking a significant turnaround in Franklin’s coaching career following a tumultuous end to his tenure at Penn State, where he served for over eleven seasons.

The decision to hire Franklin comes at a critical time for Virginia Tech, which has been striving to regain its status in college football. His hiring not only brings a seasoned coach to Blacksburg, but it also reduces the financial burden on Penn State, as Franklin’s buyout will be significantly lessened with this move.

Virginia Tech fans have much to celebrate, as Franklin has a proven track record of revitalizing struggling programs. His success at Vanderbilt was particularly noteworthy; he transformed the Commodores from a team with back-to-back two-win seasons into a bowl contender within just a couple of years. Franklin’s success continued at Penn State, where he led the Nittany Lions to a Big Ten championship in 2016 and a remarkable six seasons with at least ten wins.

Yet, Franklin’s legacy at Penn State is marred by a string of disappointing losses, particularly against top-tier opponents. His record against top-10 teams stands at an underwhelming 4-21, and he faced significant scrutiny following a series of losses in the 2023 season. This culminated in his dismissal on October 12, 2023, after a particularly disappointing defeat against Oregon.

As Franklin steps into his new role at Virginia Tech, he faces a different landscape. The Hokies do not compete in the same conference as powerhouse teams like Ohio State or Oregon, which may provide a more favorable environment for him to succeed. The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) is currently led by teams such as Georgia Tech and Virginia, indicating an opportunity for Virginia Tech to rise back into national relevance.

In recent years, the Hokies have struggled, posting a record of 59-55 since the end of Frank Beamer’s successful run from 1987 to 2015. The last appearance in a major bowl game for Virginia Tech was in the Sugar Bowl on January 3, 2012. In response to their declining status, the university’s Board of Visitors approved a significant investment of $229 million into the athletic department budget over the next four years, signaling a commitment to improving the football program.

While Franklin’s hiring may not be a guaranteed recipe for success, he aligns well with Virginia Tech’s aspirations. His experience in building competitive teams could prove invaluable as he seeks to rejuvenate a program that has seen better days. The Hokies’ decision to invest in Franklin is indicative of their intent to return to prominence in college football.

As the college football landscape continues to evolve, all eyes will be on Franklin as he attempts to lead Virginia Tech back to its former glory. His tenure at Penn State may have ended abruptly, but his arrival in Blacksburg presents a new chapter for both Franklin and the Hokies.