- Program
- Virginia Tech
- Level
- FBS
- Conference
- ACC
- Education
- B.A. Psychology, East Stroudsburg University; M.S. Educational Leadership, Washington State
Profile
Virginia Tech named James Franklin its head football coach on Nov. 17, 2025 after his 12-season Penn State tenure produced 104 wins, the 2016 Big Ten championship and seven New Year’s Six bowl berths. Franklin owns a 128-60 career record through 15 seasons as a head coach. His Penn State teams finished in the top 12 of the final College Football Playoff rankings seven times from 2016 through 2024, and he coached 18 All-America selections and 59 NFL Draft picks there. He previously led Vanderbilt for three seasons, taking the Commodores to three consecutive bowls and consecutive nine-win finishes.
Coaching Approach
Recruiting-driven organizational impact: credited with transforming Virginia Tech’s 2026 class from No. 124 to consensus top-30 (ESPN-21, 247-30, On3-29) in just over two weeks; historically produced seven New Year’s Six bowl berths at Penn State with four wins, reflecting roster construction and talent acquisition focus.
Career Highlights
- Career head coaching record of 128-60.
- Led Penn State to 104 victories during a 12-year tenure (2014-25).
- Won the 2016 Big Ten Championship with Penn State and coached the team to the Rose Bowl (2016 season).
Sources
This is an independent editorial profile. It does not indicate that the coach controls an athlete profile, has joined Fite Football, or has been approved for recruiter access. Submit factual corrections with a source.