A college football insider throws a potential major wrench into the James Franklin to Virginia Tech rumors

After some intense rumors about James Franklin to Virginia Tech, things have cooled off over the last couple of days. It feels like if it is going to happen, it's going to happen soon, or it's not even going to become reality.

With the large number of jobs already open, you have to think that Franklin and his agent, Jimmy Sexton, are using Virginia Tech as leverage for other jobs. Which jobs Franklin would be interested in remains to be seen. There are some jobs in the SEC at Arkansas, LSU, Florida, and Auburn.

There are other jobs currently open, but when it comes to Franklin, he may be waiting to see what happens at the end of the regular season and which other jobs could open. Could Florida State move on from Mike Norvell? If so, that could be a very likely landing spot for Franklin and a spot in the ACC where he could turn into a winner quickly. However, a college football insider hinted at a wild-card job that could be opening soon.

Josh Pate drops subtle hint about Lincoln Riley and USC

Josh Pate joined the Bussin with the Boys podcast, and when discussing SEC jobs, Pate mentioned watching Lincoln Riley at USC when it comes to some potential openings. Truth be told, if Franklin isn't waiting on a job like Florida State to open up, it very well might be USC.

If there is anything we know about Sexton, those words from Pate would be music to his ears. Why? Well, it's another high-profile job that would allow Franklin to get, and you have to think that both Sexton and Franklin see any of the jobs mentioned above as better than Virginia Tech. That may not be the case, but you have to think that Pate's comments could throw a wrench into the Hokies' coaching search that will drag out longer than fans hope it will.