Key Highlights
- James Franklin is in ‘early talks’ to become the next head coach of Virginia Tech.
- Franklin was fired from Penn State after their recent upset loss to Northwestern.
- The Virginia Tech Hokies are still searching for a new head coach after firing Brent Pry.
- Penn State’s record under Franklin has been mixed, with 104 wins and losses against top-10 teams.
James Franklin’s Move to Virginia Tech
ESPN reported on Saturday that former Penn State head coach James Franklin is “engaged in the early stages of talks” to become the next head coach at Virginia Tech. This news comes just days after Franklin was let go from his position following Penn State’s third consecutive loss, an upset defeat to Northwestern.
Franklin’s Tenure at Penn State
Franklin took over as Penn State’s head coach before the 2014 season and led the team through 12 seasons. During this period, he guided the Nittany Lions to the College Football Playoff semifinals in their last season with a record of 13-3. However, his tenure was marred by losses against top-ranked teams, as he went 4-21 against them during his time at Penn State.
Virginia Tech’s Search for a New Coach
The Virginia Tech Hokies are currently in the midst of a search to find their next head coach. Philip Montgomery is serving as interim head coach after Brent Pry was fired following an 0-3 start to the season. Franklin’s potential move could provide a much-needed boost to the Hokies, who have struggled recently.
Recent Performance and Future Implications
Since Franklin’s firing from Penn State, the team has continued to underperform. They lost their last three games, including a close call against No. 2 Indiana that saw the Hoosiers score in the final minute of play. The Hokies have since fallen out of the rankings and are looking for new leadership.
Should Franklin join Virginia Tech, it could mark a significant shift in college football coaching.
His experience at Penn State and his recent success in guiding the Nittany Lions to the playoffs make him a strong candidate for the position. The Hokies will likely be closely watching these ‘early talks’ as they continue their search for a new head coach.
