Virginia Tech Hires James Franklin as New Head Coach
Virginia Tech has announced the hiring of James Franklin as the new head coach of its football program, marking a significant move as the Hokies aim to reclaim their status in college football. This decision follows a disappointing season that saw the team finish with a record of 3-7 and the dismissal of former head coach Brent Pry after just three games. Athletic Director Whit Babcock stated that this action represents a critical step towards revitalizing the program.
Franklin, who previously coached at Penn State, brings a wealth of experience and ambition to Virginia Tech. During his tenure with the Nittany Lions, he achieved 104 wins and led the team to six New Year’s Six bowls or playoff games since 2016. Despite his success, Franklin’s inability to secure a national championship ultimately led to his departure from Penn State after a disappointing three-game losing streak last season.
In his first comments as head coach, Franklin emphasized the need for Virginia Tech to operate at a “big-time program” level, questioning whether all aspects of the program reflect this ambition. “All those things need to be in place,” he stated. Franklin pointed out that it is not just his responsibility but also involves the entire athletic department, including marketing and ticketing.
A key element in Franklin’s decision to join Virginia Tech was a comprehensive vision for the future of the program, which includes a planned investment of $229 million into athletics funding, approved by the school’s board of visitors in September. He acknowledged that the program must not only benchmark against its competitors in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) but also consider national standards.
Franklin’s relationship with Virginia Tech’s personnel played a significant role in his hiring. Former Hokies defensive coordinator Bud Foster reached out to Franklin shortly after his firing at Penn State. Foster not only offered support but also highlighted the job opening at Virginia Tech, indicating a strong interest in bringing Franklin to Blacksburg.
As he assumes his new role, Franklin is acutely aware of the challenges ahead. The Hokies have struggled in recent years, with only one ACC title in the past 15 years and a record of 30-33 in conference play since 2018. His predecessor, Pry, had a disappointing record of 16-24 over four seasons, which adds to the pressure on Franklin to deliver results quickly.
Babcock has indicated that much of the program’s future depends on Franklin’s ability to assemble a strong team around him. “A lot will depend on who Coach Franklin brings with him,” Babcock noted, suggesting that Franklin’s choices for staff and support roles will be crucial in shaping the Hokies’ future.
Franklin expressed enthusiasm for the alignment he has found with Babcock regarding the commitment to football. He remarked on the importance of holding high standards across all levels of the program, from players to administration. “My job is to hold the standard for everybody,” he said. This approach highlights his intention to foster a culture of accountability and excellence.
As Virginia Tech moves forward with Franklin at the helm, the focus will be on rebuilding a program that once enjoyed national prominence. With a strong support system and a clear vision, the Hokies aim to return to their winning ways and restore their place among college football’s elite.
