The college football coaching rumors have taken another dramatic turn as Virginia Tech is in active conversations with James Franklin regarding their head coaching vacancy, as reported by ESPN insider Pete Thamel on College GameDay.
Thamel reported that, as per sources, the negotiations between both Franklin and Virginia Tech are still in early stages of talks, but both sides are genuinely interested in exploring the possibility. Tech’s athletic department continues to conduct a comprehensive search for its next head coach, yet Franklin has clearly emerged as a serious contender for the position.
Sources: James Franklin and Virginia Tech are in early stages of talks, with some resolution on his candidacy in expected in the upcoming days. Tech is still running a full search, but it’s clear there’s mutual interest between the parties. As reported on @CollegeGameDay. pic.twitter.com/m1dlYZNm5U
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 15, 2025
The college football insider reported the news, posting about it on X whilst also announcing the same on College Gameday.
This development comes just over a month after Penn State parted ways with Franklin on October 12. The Nittany Lions made the difficult decision following a rocky start to the 2025 campaign after 12 seasons.
James Franklin and Virginia Tech are engaged in the early stages of talks about him becoming the football program’s next head coach, per @PeteThamel. pic.twitter.com/qbCkHnWSgC
— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) November 15, 2025
Franklin’s departure from Penn State came with significant financial implications for the Lions as his contract, which was a $8 million a year contract that ran through 2031, included a massive buyout estimated at $49 million. However, an offset clause provides Penn State with some relief, as any salary Franklin earns from a new coaching position will reduce what the university owes him.
Major Programs Show Interest in Franklin’s Services Amidst Virginia Tech Rumors
James Franklin’s coaching statistics during his tenure at Penn State saw him score 104 wins and 42 losses over 12 seasons with a Big Ten conference records of 64 wins and 33 losses. He reached 100 wins at Penn State in 2024, becoming the third-fastest coach to reach that milestone at Penn State, behind only Joe Paterno and Rip Engle.
Virginia Tech would want someone of Franklin’s stature to help them rise from their 3-6 slump record so far this season and make them a more competitive program. Franklin during a recent College GameDay appearance, made his intentions clear about possibly coaching a side again as he openly discussed his desire to return to coaching.
Franklin is also simultaneously being linked to several other high profile openings across the country. Schools like Oklahoma, Florida, Auburn, and LSU all reportedly view Franklin as a potential head coach for their respective programs.
Penn State meanwhile are exploring candidates like Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz and former NFL coach Brian Daboll to replace Franklin.
Read More:
- Urban Meyer Reportedly Turned Down by Penn State To Replace James Franklin Over ‘Unsatisfactory Answers’ About NIL: Reports
- Penn State Turned Down $35,000,000 Worth Former National Champ Amid James Franklin Replacement Search, Claims Insider
- Insider Calls For SEC Powerhouse To Hire James Franklin To “Stabilize The Rollercoaster” Despite Viriginia Tech Links
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