When Penn State fired James Franklin as their football coach last October, he became the top target of every program looking to hire its next head coach. Believe it or not, there were a few openings at the time he was fired, including Virginia Tech, which parted ways with Franklin's former defensive coordinator in State College, Brent Pry.
Sadly, it was time for both coaches to move from their respective schools, but in the end, Virginia Tech could end up being the big winner from the moves. Not only did the search committee hire Franklin, but he also brought back Pry as his defensive coordinator, just three months after he was fired in Blacksburg. If they can pick up where they left off at Penn State, then the Hokies defense could quickly become one of the top units in the ACC.
However, one reason why Franklin accepted the position at Virginia Tech is the commitment they are making an huge investment in athletics and the football program. If the wheels were not in place with the new investment, then hiring Franklin was unlikely to happen. Instead, he is getting ready for his first season in Blacksburg and is one of the coaches who begin a new chapter that is set up to have success and have success quickly.
James Franklin is set up for quick success at Virginia Tech
Pete Nakos of On3 listed some first-year coaches who are set up for some quick success in 2026 in their first season in charge, and Franklin, to nobody's surprise, was listed. As was his replacement at Penn State, Matt Campbell. The main reason: NIL and the portal.
One reason that both coaches and all first-year coaches can win more quickly than in years past is the NIL and the Transfer Portal. Franklin had some former Penn State players follow him to Virginia Tech who are going to make an immediate impact. Some additions from other schools through the portal, as well as some key retention for the Hokies, make for some excitement going into the 2026 campaign.
Let's face it. After failed tenures by Justin Fuente and Pry, the Virginia Tech search committee had to nail the next hire, and they did. They landed the top candidate on the open market after he was fired. There is nowhere to go but up in 2026 for the Hokies after a three-win 2025 season. If there is someone who can double the win total a year later, it's Franklin. The season can't begin soon enough.
Add us as a preferred source on Google