James Franklin Named Virginia Tech Head Football Coach,Ushering in new Era
Virginia Tech has tapped James Franklin to lead its football program,signaling a bold new chapter for the Hokies and a commitment to championship contention. The proclamation, made by the university’s Board of Visitors, President Tim Sands, and Director of Athletics Whit Babcock, culminates a search focused on finding a proven program-builder with a national reputation.
Franklin will be formally introduced to the public at a press conference scheduled for 10 a.m. ET on Wednesday, November 19, at Carilion Clinic Court at cassell Coliseum. The event will be accessible both in person and via live stream on the Virginia Tech football X and Facebook pages, as well as the Hokiesports YouTube page.
“Virginia Tech has attracted and hired an incredible head coach and exceptional recruiter in James Franklin,” stated Rector of the Board of visitors John Rocovich. “We signal to hokie Nation, and the entire nation, the shared importance of athletic support and success.”
boasting over 30 years of collegiate coaching experience, Franklin arrives in Blacksburg after a highly successful tenure at Penn State. His career record stands at an impressive 128-60, placing him among the top three active FBS coaches with a winning percentage exceeding .680.
Penn State finished in the top 12 of the College Football Playoff rankings in seven of the last nine seasons, secured seven New Year’s Six bowl game invitations – winning four of them – and claimed the 2016 Big Ten Championship.
Athletic Director Whit Babcock highlighted Franklin’s alignment with the program’s vision. “James Franklin embodies the spirit,vision,and relentless pursuit of excellence that will elevate Virginia Tech football back on the national stage where it belongs,” Babcock said. He credited the unwavering commitment of the Board of Visitors, the Search Committee, university leadership, and donors for making this “landmark moment” possible.
Prior to his success at Penn State, Franklin engineered a remarkable turnaround at vanderbilt University from 2011 to 2013. He became the first Vanderbilt coach to lead the team to bowl games in his first three seasons. The 2012 season was especially noteworthy, with the Commodores achieving a 9-4 record, earning recognition in both the AP Top 25 and Coaches Polls for the first time since 1948. That year also saw Vanderbilt secure its most wins as 1915, five SEC victories – a feat unmatched since 1935 – and a program-best winning streak. He followed up with another 9-win season in 2013, culminating in a decisive bowl victory.
“I’m honored and humbled to join the Hokie family,” Franklin expressed. “My vision is simple: to restore unmatched excellence, to build something that lasts, and to serve this University, the Commonwealth of Virginia and our amazing fan base with honor, integrity, and passion. I look forward to getting to work with our players, our staff, and the entire Virginia Tech community.”
Throughout his career,Franklin has demonstrated a commitment to player development,having coached 18 All-America selections,32 national award winners or finalists,and 59 players drafted into the NFL. In his first 14 years as a head coach, he mentored 116 players who went on to play professionally.
Franklin reached a meaningful milestone in 2024, achieving 100 wins at Penn State and joining an exclusive group of active FBS head coaches with 100 or more wins at their current school, including Kirk Ferentz (Iowa), Dabo Swinney (Clemson), Mike Gundy (Oklahoma State), Kyle Whittingham (Utah), Troy Calhoun (Air Force), and Kirby Smart (Georgia). From 2016 to 2024, Penn State consistently ranked among the nation’s top teams, appearing in the top 12 of the College Football Playoff rankings at least seven times – a feat shared only with Alabama, georgia, and ohio State.
A native of Langhorne,Pennsylvania,Franklin’s playing career began as a quarterback at East Stroudsburg University,where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and broke or tied 23 school records. He furthered his education by obtaining a master’s degree in educational leadership from Washington State.
Franklin is joined by his wife, Fumi, and their two daughters, Shola and Addison, as he embarks on this new chapter at Virginia Tech.
