Former Penn State head coach James Franklin has appeared in multiple conversations as teams search for their new head coach. After being fired by the Nittany Lions, Franklin has emerged as an option for almost every program in need of a head coach.
Following their narrow loss to the Northwestern Wildcats, Penn State decided to move on from the former head coach. Franklin lost three games in a row before his firing, for the first time since the 2021 season.
James Franklin Being Lured Into ACC Job Hunt.
After the recent coaching carousel this week, Franklin has been one of the most talked-about available head coaches in the nation. According to a recent report by ON3 Sports, the former Penn State head coach has emerged as a potential option for a top ACC program.
Virginia Tech fired head coach Brent Pry nearly 45 days ago. So, where does the coaching search stand?
Latest: https://t.co/Wa5f6FVuft pic.twitter.com/ktvSirdgGn
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) October 27, 2025
“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.
The suggestion comes as the Virginia Tech Hokies are in the market for a new leader after firing coach Brent Pry following a 0-3 start to the season. Pry reached a bowl game in 2023, but a mediocre season followed by a disastrous start to 2024 ultimately cost him his job.
According to PFSN’s playoff meter, the team is projected to miss a bowl game by a wide margin, with predictions of only three more wins and seven losses, including matchups against two ranked teams. They are predicted to finish the season 4-7.
“Virginia Tech has never been better positioned to compete at the highest levels of the ACC and nationally. This committee brings star power, experience, and a true passion for Virginia Tech,” athletic director Whit Babcock revealed recently.
ON3 recently backed up this report. According to the recent piece, the Hokies are prepared to go all in for a national championship. With plans to increase their budget significantly, 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.
Virginia Tech’s goals of competing at a national level closely fit with what Franklin announced he was looking for in his next job. During his interview on “ESPN’s College Gameday.” The former Penn State head coach shared his goals for his next job.
“I thought we were going to win a national championship there. That goal hasn’t changed. We’re now going to win a national championship somewhere else.” Franklin made a statement that prompted contrasting responses from fans.
Franklin Reportedly Tied To Florida, LSU, and Florida State Jobs
Franklin was also linked with the top vacancy in college football at the moment. After LSU made the decision to move on from Coach Kelly, the former Nittany Lions head coach’s name has emerged as a potential option.
“His name is also tied to Florida and LSU, and will likely be a top name at Florida State if the Seminoles move on from Mike Norvell.” The report explained. This contradicts a report made earlier in the week by ON3 Sports’ Pete Nakos.
Odds open up for LSU HC gig and James Franklin ranks 4th best. Not surprised. Past decade every time a big job opened up Franklin was a name listed right away. Highly respected football coach. That would be something tho lol.
— White Out Football (@NittanyNatRec) October 27, 2025
“In terms of James Franklin. I mean, outside of maybe Florida and a couple of SEC jobs that opened this cycle. I think he’s going to be the top name on every board. Virginia Tech wants James Franklin.” Nakos explained.
However, following this recently released report, Franklin appears to be back on top of the board for almost every program in the nation. Including two of the most historically and financially rich programs in the nation. The former Penn State head coach has his pick of the litter.