James Franklin has been linked to the Virginia Tech head coaching job in recent weeks, with multiple reports suggesting the former Penn State head coach has already signed a contract with the Hokies. However, there has been no official confirmation of a deal.
This speculation comes as the Virginia Tech Hokies are searching for a new leader after firing coach Brent Pry following a dismal 0-3 start to the season. According to PFSN’s playoff meter, the team is projected to miss a bowl game by a wide margin.
James Franklin ‘Pretty Close’ to Major ACC Program
In the most recent episode of “The Herd,” with Colin Cowherd, the College football insider’s program was joined by Fox Sports insider Joel Klatt. During this, Klatt revealed that Franklin could potentially be nearing an agreement with Virginia Tech in the coming days.
Arkansas fans and (to a lesser degree) Auburn fans feel pretty confident that James Franklin will take their job over Virginia Tech if given the opportunity.
The path to success is far more realistic with the #Hokies. #Franklin2VT #WPS #WDE https://t.co/A2Jdhuf6g9 pic.twitter.com/B8Q04qa6yK
— BRM (@BillyRayTweets) November 6, 2025
“I’ve heard that he’s pretty close to Virginia Tech. He will definitely coach again. The guy was not a bad football coach; he just came up short in the most difficult games out there. So he’s gonna go someplace and make them a better program.” Klatt revealed.
During his time as a head coach, Franklin lost 13 straight games against top-five teams. Against the top 10 teams, his record is also 4-21. Despite that, there are still multiple programs trying to hire the former Penn State coach, including Virginia Tech.
“Sources have connected former Penn State head coach James Franklin to the Virginia Tech job; however, he is likely to be one of the top names in coaching searches this cycle.” ON3 Sports revealed.
According to the recent piece, the Hokies are prepared to go all in for a national championship. With plans to significantly increase their budget, it could be the perfect destination for Franklin.
“Sources have told On3 that athletic director Whit Babcock has made clear to the candidate pool that the Hokies are ready to go all in on football. He told the institution’s board of visitors in August that the $122 million athletics budget is not up to snuff.”
“It needs to be closer to $200 million. The board of visitors approved a plan to add $229 million to its athletics budget over the next four years earlier this fall,” the report revealed.
While everything has been kept on the down low, there has been plenty of speculation that Franklin has been leveraging Virginia Tech in order to get a better job, like one of the major SEC openings, or a potential return to the Big Ten. Locked on Nitanny Lions host Zach Sekyro recently speculated over the fact.
“Do we know for a fact that James Franklin wants to be at Virginia Tech for more than, say, five years?” Sekyo asked. “He wants to be in the Big Ten or the SEC. Maybe it pivots to Michigan State if they fire Johnathan Smith. Does UCLA make sense to him? Does James Franklin hold out and wait for Florida?”
While we don’t currently know whether Franklin’s hesitance is simply a Jimmy Sexton tactic, or that he’s nearing an agreement with Virginia Tech, we will most likely know in the coming months where Franklin will make his return to College Football.
Don’t do it,