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NittanyCentral delivers expert analysis from veteran reporters and timely updates on Penn State sports, with in-depth coverage of Nittany Lions Football, Wrestling, Basketball, and more.

NittanyCentral

NittanyCentral delivers expert analysis from veteran reporters and timely updates on Penn State sports, with in-depth coverage of Nittany Lions Football, Wrestling, Basketball, and more.

James Franklin

BREAKING: James Franklin Announced as Head Coach at Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech announced that they have hired former Penn State Football coach, James Franklin.

It was rumored that Franklin and the Hokies had mutual interest, and today, they officially agreed.

For James Franklin, this is a relatively quick turnaround.

After being fired on October 12th, he has landed a power 4 job about a month later.

James Franklin, Penn State Football
Virginia Tech struck quickly, hiring James Franklin as the Hokies’ next head coach.  (Syndication: Hanover Evening Sun)

Why James Franklin and Virginia Tech Were Always an Ideal Fit

Franklin will be staying well within his recruiting footprint, and close to home. The highly successful Penn State coach will be tasked with getting a Virginia Tech program up and running again, after a rough Brent Pry era.

For the Hokies, James Franklin is a near perfect option.

Franklin is a proven winner and recruiter.

Franklin is capable of going down to Blacksburg and having the Hokies pump out 8-9 win seasons relatively quickly. That should make Virginia Tech fans happy, as that is a clear step up from where they have been in the past several years.

Penn State Football, James Franklin
James Franklin has landed as Virginia Tech’s next head coach, after being fired by Penn State. (Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images)

Another exciting thing for Virginia Tech fans, is that Franklin will likely bring several members of his class of 2026 with him. This will inject life quickly into the Hokies program. Franklin may also be able to lure some current Penn State players his way after the season ends.

In a lot of ways, Virginia Tech has hit a home run by hiring James Franklin.


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Ian Purdy
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