Virginia Tech announced the hiring of James Franklin as its new head football coach, a move that comes after the program endured its most challenging season in recent memory, finishing 3‑9 and looking to rewrite its narrative.
A Strategic Investment in the Future
The university has pledged more than $41 million over the next five years to secure Franklin’s services, underscoring its belief that his proven ability to rebuild winning programs can restore the Hokies to national relevance.
Franklin arrives after more than a decade at Penn State, where he compiled a 128‑60 record across stops at Vanderbilt and State College, a résumé that includes multiple conference championships and bowl victories.
His arrival coincides with the team’s season opener on September 5 against VMI at Lane Stadium, a game that will mark the first meeting between the two schools since the 1980s and serve as a early test of the new era.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely, hoping the new coaching staff can translate the promise shown in practice into tangible wins on the field and rekindle the excitement that once defined Virginia Tech football.