Virginia Tech has appointed James Franklin as its new head football coach, a move accompanied by a renegotiated buyout that reduces Penn State’s financial obligation from $49 million to $9 million. This hiring marks a pivotal step for the Hokies as they seek to revitalize their football program under Franklin’s leadership.
The announcement came on Monday, November 17, 2025, with Virginia Tech officially naming Franklin to the position after his departure from Penn State. Franklin, who was fired by the Nittany Lions in October following a string of losses, brings a wealth of experience to Blacksburg. He is scheduled to be formally introduced at a news conference on Wednesday, signaling the start of a new chapter for the team. This decision reflects Tech’s commitment to returning to national prominence in college football.
Franklin’s coaching résumé includes 12 seasons at Penn State, where he compiled a 128-60 record, and three years at Vanderbilt. During his tenure, he led the Nittany Lions to a Big Ten championship in 2016 and an appearance in the 2024 College Football Playoff semifinals. His overall winning percentage exceeds 68%, underscoring his ability to build and sustain competitive programs. This track record made him an attractive candidate for Virginia Tech, which has struggled in recent years.
A critical element of the transition is the renegotiation of Franklin’s buyout from Penn State. Originally, he was owed $49 million after his dismissal, but sources confirmed that the settlement was reduced to $9 million as part of his agreement with Virginia Tech. This adjustment alleviates a significant financial burden for Penn State and smooths Franklin’s move to his new role. The Centre Daily Times first reported the settlement details, which were later verified by ESPN.
In a statement, Franklin expressed honor and humility in joining the Hokie family, emphasizing his vision to restore excellence and build a lasting legacy. He highlighted his commitment to serving the university, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the fan base with integrity and passion. Athletic director Whit Babcock praised Franklin as a dynamic leader and relentless recruiter capable of elevating the program. Franklin’s focus on recruiting and program development aligns with Virginia Tech’s goals for future success.
Franklin replaces Brent Pry, who was fired in September after an 0-3 start and a 16-24 record over four seasons. Virginia Tech has faced challenges since the retirement of Hall of Famer Frank Beamer in 2015, with underwhelming tenures under Justin Fuente and Pry. To attract a high-profile coach like Franklin, the school’s board of visitors recently approved a $229 million increase in the athletics budget over the next four years. This investment aims to enhance facilities and competitiveness in the evolving landscape of college football.
At Penn State, Franklin’s tenure was characterized by consistent success but fell short of elite achievements, with a 4-21 record against AP top-10 opponents. He took over during the aftermath of the Jerry Sandusky scandal and guided the team to six seasons of double-digit victories, including three straight from 2022 to 2024. However, a promising 3-0 start in 2025 unraveled with three consecutive losses, leading to his dismissal. Franklin’s experience in navigating adversity will be crucial as he tackles the challenges at Virginia Tech.
Looking forward, Franklin’s strong ties to the I-95 corridor and talent-rich regions like the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) are expected to bolster Virginia Tech’s recruiting efforts. His arrival is anticipated to inject energy into the program and attract top talent, potentially reversing a trend of underperformance. The Hokies have not achieved double-digit wins since 2016, and Franklin’s proven ability to develop teams suggests he could lead a resurgence. The college football community will monitor his progress closely as he begins this new endeavor in Blacksburg.
