Why was James Franklin fired from Penn State?

James Franklin was fired from Penn State after a poor start to the 2025 season, including three consecutive losses, notably a double-overtime loss to No. 6 Oregon when Penn State was ranked No. 3, followed by losses to UCLA and Northwestern.

Who did James Franklin replace at Virginia Tech?

James Franklin replaced Brent Pry, who was fired after an 0-3 start and a 16-24 record over four seasons as Virginia Tech's head coach.

What is James Franklin's coaching record?

James Franklin has a 128-60 overall record over 15 seasons as head coach at Penn State and Vanderbilt, with more than 68% of his games won, including a Big Ten championship in 2016 and a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance in 2024.

How is Virginia Tech supporting James Franklin's hiring?

Virginia Tech's Board of Visitors approved a plan to add $229 million to the athletics budget over the next four years to make the program more attractive and help Franklin revive the school's lagging football fortunes.

When will James Franklin be formally introduced as Virginia Tech's head coach?

James Franklin is scheduled to be formally introduced as Virginia Tech's head coach on Wednesday morning.

4 sources

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1M ago

James Franklin Named Virginia Tech Head Football Coach Following Penn State Departure

James Franklin has been hired as Virginia Tech's new football coach, just over a month after his Penn State firing, tasked with revitalizing the struggling Hokies program.

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Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

James Franklin was officially hired as Virginia Tech's new head football coach, with a formal introduction scheduled for Wednesday morning.

This significant move comes just over a month after Franklin was fired by Penn State on October 12, following a loss to Northwestern.

Virginia Tech made history as the first Power 4 program to fill a coaching vacancy this season, replacing Brent Pry after a poor 0-3 start.

Franklin brings a 128-60 overall record and a history of leading Penn State to multiple 10-win seasons and a College Football Playoff victory.

Virginia Tech commits to supporting Franklin, known for his recruiting ability, to bring credibility and success to their struggling football program.

Written using shared reports from

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Analysis

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Center-leaning sources cover the story neutrally, presenting a balanced account of James Franklin's hiring at Virginia Tech. They provide factual background on his past successes and challenges at Penn State, alongside the context of Virginia Tech's recent struggles. The reporting avoids loaded language and offers a comprehensive overview without favoring a particular narrative.

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Virginia Tech hires James Franklin as new football coach

Chicago Sun-Times•1M ago

James Franklin hired as Virginia Tech's coach, just over a month after Penn State fired him

Associated Press•1M ago

James Franklin hired as Virginia Tech’s coach, just over a month after Penn State fired him

Chicago Tribune•1M ago

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FAQ

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: James Franklin was fired from Penn State after a poor start to the 2025 season, including three consecutive losses, notably a double-overtime loss to No. 6 Oregon when Penn State was ranked No. 3, followed by losses to UCLA and Northwestern.
Sources:
ESPN
: James Franklin replaced Brent Pry, who was fired after an 0-3 start and a 16-24 record over four seasons as Virginia Tech's head coach.
Sources:
ESPN
: James Franklin has a 128-60 overall record over 15 seasons as head coach at Penn State and Vanderbilt, with more than 68% of his games won, including a Big Ten championship in 2016 and a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance in 2024.
Sources:
ESPN
: Virginia Tech's Board of Visitors approved a plan to add $229 million to the athletics budget over the next four years to make the program more attractive and help Franklin revive the school's lagging football fortunes.
Sources:
ESPN
: James Franklin is scheduled to be formally introduced as Virginia Tech's head coach on Wednesday morning.
Sources:
Bleacher Report

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