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James Franklin The effect is already taking shape.
Franklin was fired from Penn State last month after a terrible start proved to be the final straw given his lack of success against top 10 teams throughout his tenure. But last week Virginia Tech has officially hired him to lead its football program, and he's obviously already making an impression.
According to rivalsFive Pennsylvania state commissions have made or are about to make official visits to the new Franklin School.
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Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin speaks at a news conference at Cassell Coliseum. (Brian Bishop/Imagn Images)
Offensive linemen Benjamin Eziuka and Roseby Lubintus told the publication they will be making visits, as will the father of four-star quarterback Troy Hahn.
Franklin was fired from Penn State following the Nittany Lions' loss to Northwestern, the program's third straight loss and another shocking result after the loss. to UCLA the previous week. The Nittany Lions are 4-6 on the season and 1-6 in Big Ten play.
It's been a disappointing few seasons for Virginia Tech under head coach Brent Pry and his predecessor Justin Fuente. However, Franklin's adaptive approach to modern college football could quickly change things in Blacksburg.
LR, John Rockovich, Timothy Sands, James Franklin and Whit Babcock hold a Virginia Tech jersey during a press conference announcing Franklin as head coach at Cassell Coliseum. (Brian Bishop/Imagn Images)
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Franklin will be the program's most experienced head coach since Frank Beamer retired in 2015 after 29 seasons leading the Hokies. Franklin, who coached at Vanderbilt before joining Penn State, went 128-60 in 15 seasons as head coach.
Despite his struggles this season, Franklin is coming off a 2024 campaign that included an appearance in the College Football Playoff semifinals and a 2016 Big Ten championship.
“I can't wait… I've been watching this introduction to college football my whole life,” Franklin said at his introductory press conference. “This is something special.
Virginia Tech football coach James Franklin and wife Fumi enter a press conference to introduce him as head coach at Cassell Coliseum. (Brian Bishop/Imagn Images)
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“We were minutes away from playing for the national championship, so I know what that looks like,” Franklin added.
Fox News' Scott Thompson contributed to this report.
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