After starting the 2025 season with a playoff expectation, James Franklin was fired from the head coach position of the Penn State Nittany Lions in October. This will likely remain one of the most talked-about coaching carousel moves this season, and his coaching profile is expected to land him another head coaching role soon, unlike that of other fired coaches.
Franklin has been in talks with multiple programs about his next stop, and the former Nittany Lions boss has been one of the Virginia Tech Hokies’ targets over the past two weeks.
Report Names Virginia Tech’s Backup Targets with James Franklin’s Future in Question
The Hokies are seeking their next head coach after dismissing Brent Pry on Sept. 14, who was let go after their 45-26 loss to Old Dominion and a 0-3 start to the season.
Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reported Saturday that Franklin is now Virginia Tech’s top target. ESPN’s Pete Thamel likewise noted that a resolution on Franklin’s candidacy with the Hokies is expected within the next few days.
Sources who spoke with On3 also confirmed that discussions about Franklin potentially becoming Virginia Tech’s next head coach are still moving forward. This potential move has been praised by many, including former Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban.
“This would be a great hire for Virginia Tech,” Saban said on “College GameDay” on Saturday. “They would get a class guy and a class coach who would be very successful, I’m sure.”
However, Zenitz seems to imply that the Virginia Tech head coaching position is essentially Franklin’s to accept, indicating the Hokies are fully focused on him while he holds the choice to move forward or decline.
Meanwhile, an On3 source also said that Virginia Tech is keeping additional options open. “Franklin is a candidate in other searches, but the Hokies have wanted to make a hire by the end of the regular season, and they need a final decision from Franklin soon,” the report stated. “If Franklin continues to make Virginia Tech wait and a deal does not get done, James Madison’s Bob Chesney and Tulane’s Jon Sumrall are the top names to know.”
Virginia Tech currently stands at 3-7 this season, with a 2-4 record in ACC play. The program is ranked 54th in the PFSN College Football Impact metrics.
Meanwhile, Franklin’s Penn State contract obligates him to “diligently pursue” another coaching opportunity, and any new salary would reduce the buyout owed by the school. He may be waiting to see whether more attractive positions, such as Florida State or other openings in the Southeastern Conference, become available. He has also been connected to other vacancies, including Arkansas and Auburn.