James Franklin has been linked to the Virginia Tech head coaching job in recent days, with multiple reports suggesting the former Penn State head coach has already signed a contract with the Hokies. However, there has been no official confirmation of a deal.
This speculation comes as the Virginia Tech Hokies are searching for a new leader after firing coach Brent Pry following a dismal 0-3 start to the season. According to PFSN’s playoff meter, the team is projected to miss a bowl game by a wide margin. Predictions show only three more wins and seven losses, a run that includes matchups against two ranked teams and would result in a 4-7 finish to the season.
Is James Franklin’s Move to Virginia Tech a Done Deal?
Despite the rumors, the deal to send Franklin to Virginia may be far from complete. During a recent episode of the “Locked on Nittany Lions podcast,” host Zach Sekyo provided an update on the situation.
“From what I’ve heard, I don’t believe this is a done deal,” Sekyo claimed. “I think that Jimmy Sexton, his agent, is being strategic. Some people talk about, hey, this is a classic Sexton move. He will leak information so that other offers can start to come to him.”
This is a “we are serious” hire for Virginia Tech. He’s had issues beating top 10 teams but is a winner. https://t.co/E2u6KmScHx
— ReadyCFB (@ReadyCFB) November 1, 2025
Sexton is a prominent agent who also represents other major college football head coaches, including Kirby Smart, Steve Sarkisian, Mike Norvell, Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, and current Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer. He was recently involved in an alleged leak surrounding Sarkisian, although he denied those claims.
Adding to the rumors, Franklin was recently spotted at Lake Oconee, where former Virginia Tech head coach Frank Beamer and Bruce Arians both have homes. This location is also just an hour away from where a plane departed before landing in Blacksburg, Virginia.
What Other Jobs Could Franklin Be Eyeing?
However, according to the podcast host, Franklin might be leveraging the Virginia Tech opening to attract offers from other major programs. Several high-profile vacancies are currently available in both the Big Ten and the SEC, including jobs at LSU and Florida.
“Do we know for a fact that James Franklin wants to be at Virginia Tech for more than, say, five years?” Sekyo asked. “He wants to be in the Big Ten or the SEC. Maybe it pivots to Michigan State if they fire Johnathan Smith. Does UCLA make sense to him? Does James Franklin hold out and wait for Florida?”
In a recent piece by On3 Sports, Pete Nakos confirmed that Virginia Tech does, in fact, want Franklin. However, Nakos suggested that the former Penn State coach may have to settle for the Hokies if other top-tier jobs do not materialize.
MORE: James Franklin Being Lured Into ACC Job Hunt as $200M Budget Presents Exciting Opportunity
“In terms of James Franklin, I mean, outside of maybe Florida and a couple of SEC jobs that opened this cycle, I think he’s going to be the top name on every board. Virginia Tech wants James Franklin,” Nakos explained during a recent interview.
Virginia Tech appears poised to make a significant investment, aiming to compete at a national level with an increased budget. This ambition could make it a desirable destination for Franklin to pursue a national championship finally. As it stands, however, the former Penn State head coach appears to be holding out for the best possible opportunity.