As the college football coaching carousel accelerates, Virginia Tech has made a significant move by hiring James Franklin as its new head coach for the 2025 season. This decision comes as several institutions within the Power 4 conferences are actively seeking to revamp their coaching staff, with Franklin being one of the first major hires following a series of coaching dismissals that began earlier in the season.
Franklin, who previously served as the head coach at Penn State, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to Virginia Tech. His history in the Mid-Atlantic region, including previous roles as an assistant coach at Maryland and as head coach at Vanderbilt, positions him well to navigate the challenges ahead. Although he was dismissed from Penn State for not securing victories in high-stakes games, he demonstrated a capacity to build successful programs, a skill that Virginia Tech hopes to leverage.
The financial aspect of this hiring cannot be understated. Virginia Tech has committed to a substantial investment of $229 million in its athletic budget over the next four years. This funding aims to elevate the football program’s competitiveness within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The Hokies have struggled to keep pace with their ACC counterparts in various areas, including coaching salaries and recruitment. Their approach had previously relied on the old strategies that worked under former coach Frank Beamer, but this shift signals a recognition that new tactics are required to succeed in the current landscape of college football.
Franklin’s initial challenge will be to instill confidence within the athletic department, advocating for a departure from the outdated methods of the past. He must ensure that all stakeholders are aligned with his vision for revitalizing the program. Another pressing task will be to reclaim Virginia Tech’s standing in recruiting, particularly within the state of Virginia. Franklin has historically excelled at attracting top talent from this region, having successfully developed players who became stars at Penn State. However, he faces a daunting challenge as many young athletes currently in high school do not remember Virginia Tech’s previous prominence on the national stage.
The Hokies’ past two head coaching hires were less experienced, with one lacking the background of leading a Power 4 program. Franklin’s proven success in both the Big Ten and SEC provides Virginia Tech with a leader who is not only familiar with the regional dynamics but also motivated to restore the program’s competitiveness. While concerns about Franklin’s performance in high-pressure situations exist, they may be less significant for a Virginia Tech program aiming to reestablish itself as a contender for conference titles and potential College Football Playoff (CFP) appearances.
Virginia Tech’s decision to hire Franklin reflects a broader trend in college sports where institutions are re-evaluating their strategies and financial commitments to remain relevant. As the 2025 season approaches, the Hokies will be looking to capitalize on this new direction and the optimism that comes with Franklin’s arrival. The future of Virginia Tech football now hinges on Franklin’s ability to blend tradition with innovation, ultimately aiming to restore the program to its former glory.