For the last couple of weeks, James Franklin's name has been tied to Virginia Tech. The smoke appears to be real, but the longer it drags out, the less likely it is to happen. Why? Well, the former Penn State coach has other options that are currently open and likely to open up that would be more intriguing to him.
The one under-the-radar job that Franklin is likely waiting to see open is Florida State, which will decide in a couple of weeks after the season ends on head coach Mike Norvell. If they move on from him, then Franklin to FSU is a real possibility.
Virginia Tech's search committee would be wise to turn and vet other candidates, and one name that would be interesting is James Madison coach Bob Chesney. He was asked about other jobs and deflected the answer, but didn't exactly deny that it is something he would or would not pursue.
James Madison coach Bob Chesney answers a question about other jobs
Chesney recently joined Wake Up Barstool and was asked about openings. He had an interesting answer to some potential openings.
"We’re perfectly happy here. If you saw this student body and the stands, this is a big-time place to play and coach football. We love everything about it. Ultimately, are there things that someday may show up that are life-changing? Possibly.” said Chesney.
"But at the end of the season, I think a lot of different people have a lot of different decisions to make, our players included nowadays. To me, the best thing is open and honest, and transparent conversations with our players when those things come up. But we’re so focused right now on just being the best we can be.”
It is going to be hard for Chesney not to draw some attention this coaching cycle. He is 16-5 at James Madison since coming down from Holy Cross, and he has the Dukes knocking on the College Football Playoff door. He replaced Curt Cignetti, who has Indiana as a legitimate CFP contender. He has done it in just two short years.
Chesney would be a home run hire for Virginia Tech if the committee were able to pry him away from JMU, and he would make significantly more in Blacksburg. He has quickly risen in the ranks of coaches, and regardless of what he says, options are going to be available for him, and making the move in the state of Virginia would be a big move for both Chesney and Virginia Tech. It feels like this is the route the committee needs to make a quick move on. He didn't really deny that leaving JMU after this year is something that he wouldn't consider.