Virginia Tech officially names James Franklin next head coach
By David Wasson
Published:
The James Franklin era is set to begin in Blacksburg, Va., as Virginia Tech officially named the former Penn State and Vanderbilt boss its new head coach Monday evening.
“I’m honored and humbled to join the Hokie family,” Franklin said in a statement released by Virginia Tech. “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.”
Virginia Tech said that Franklin, 53, will be officially introduced at a press conference at 10 am ET on Wednesday. Franklin was originally owed a $49 million buyout after being fired by Penn State on Oct. 12, but part of his deal with the Hokies reportedly includes a $9 million settlement from the Nittany Lions.
“Virginia Tech has attracted and hired an incredible head coach and extraordinary recruiter in James Franklin. The Board of Visitors enthusiastically supports this hire,” said 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.”
Franklin replaces his former defensive coordinator, Brent Pry, who was fired in September after an 0-3 start and a 16-24 record with the Hokies through 4 seasons.
Franklin carries 30 years of coaching experience to Virginia Tech, including a 128-60 overall record at Penn State and Vanderbilt. Franklin is one of 3 active FBS coaches with a 68-plus winning percentage and 14-plus years of head coaching experience. His 104 wins in his 12 seasons as head coach at Penn State are the 2nd-most wins in Nittany Lions history.
Virginia Tech (3-7 overall, 2-4 ACC) has been coached by interim coach Philip Montgomery since Pry’s firing. The Hokies play host to No. 15 Miami this Saturday (Noon ET, ESPN).
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. He also hosts Gulfshore Sports with David Wasson, weekdays from 3-5 pm across Southwest Florida and on FoxSportsFM.com. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
