Virginia Tech has announced the hiring of James Franklin as its new head football coach, marking a significant move aimed at reviving the struggling program. This decision follows a disappointing season in which the Hokies finished with a record of 3-7, ultimately leading to the dismissal of former head coach Brent Pry after just three games.
The appointment comes as Virginia Tech seeks to reclaim its status as a competitive force in college football. The program, once a perennial contender under former coach Frank Beamer, has seen a steady decline over the years. An empty trophy case, once a symbol of aspirations for championships, has served as a reminder of that decline since it was removed in 2014.
Franklin’s Vision for Success
In his initial statements, Franklin emphasized the need for Virginia Tech to operate like a “big-time program.” He stated, “Does it look, feel, smell and operate like a big-time program? All those things need to be in place.” His comprehensive approach will involve not just football operations but also the marketing and ticketing departments, encouraging a thorough self-assessment across the organization.
Franklin brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at Penn State, where he led the Nittany Lions to 104 victories and six New Year’s Six bowl appearances. However, his inability to secure a national championship ultimately led to his departure from Penn State after a disappointing October in which the team faced a three-game losing streak.
Despite the setbacks, Franklin believes the lessons learned during his time at Penn State will guide his strategy at Virginia Tech. He acknowledged that previous coaches faced significant challenges and stressed the importance of a unified vision for the program’s future.
Commitment to Modernization
Virginia Tech’s athletics director, Whit Babcock, highlighted the school’s commitment to enhancing its football program. He noted that a detailed plan, which includes an additional $229 million in funding for athletics, was approved by the school’s board of visitors in September. This investment signifies a commitment to not just compete within the ACC, but also to benchmark against national standards.
Former Virginia Tech defensive coordinator Bud Foster reached out to Franklin immediately after his firing at Penn State, not only to offer support but to discuss the job opening at Virginia Tech. Foster, along with others in the athletic department, presented Franklin with a vision for the program’s future, aligning with his aspirations to modernize the athletics department.
Babcock expressed that much of the program’s success will depend on Franklin’s ability to assemble a strong support team. He stated, “If he has in mind someone who he’d like to be the general manager, that’s up to him.” The emphasis on enhancing player evaluation and incorporating data analytics reflects a shift towards a more strategic approach in the program’s operations.
Franklin, who previously mentored Pry during their time together at Vanderbilt and Penn State, acknowledged the emotional complexity of taking over a program that has struggled in recent years. He expressed his appreciation for Pry’s transparency regarding the challenges ahead, stating, “I didn’t really want anybody to sugarcoat it because none of these places are perfect.”
While Franklin’s appointment is seen as a step forward, the road to revitalizing Virginia Tech football will require a collective effort across the athletic department. As he takes on this new challenge, Franklin is determined to uphold high standards and foster accountability among players, coaches, and administrative staff.
“My job is to hold the standard for everybody,” he affirmed. “And be willing to have some tough conversations when necessary.” With Franklin at the helm, Virginia Tech hopes to chart a new course towards regaining its stature in college football.
