Former Penn State HC James Franklin steals limelight away from Lane Kiffin and SEC amidst coaching carousel
The former Nittany Lions leader has his new job picked out.
The college football coaching chaos just got its first intriguing taste of movement. A former College Football Playoff coach is headed to a new home, and the decision will send shockwaves around the rest of the country.
James Franklin agrees to deal with Virginia Tech
According to Pete Thamel, James Franklin is heading to Virginia Tech. The former Penn State head coach is finalizing an agreement with the school to become its next head coach.
This was the move expected for Franklin over the past week or so. The buzz got incredibly strong this past weekend, and now, it is turning official rather than speculative. It’s worth keeping an eye on the staff Franklin attempts to build at Tech as well.
Franklin’s announcement takes some eyeballs off Lane Kiffin’s situation with LSU and Florida
While it won’t last long, this CFB news regarding Franklin just became the biggest piece of news for this coaching carousel, which is sure to be ridiculously entertaining.
The news comes just about an hour after reports started swirling around Lane Kiffin’s recent connections to LSU and Florida. Both of those SEC programs are looking for a new head coach, and the current Ole Miss HC hasn’t shut the door.
“Sources have told On3 that Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter is seeking an answer from Kiffin about his future ahead of Egg Bowl game week. Kiffin has become the most popular name in this coaching carousel, with LSU and Florida courting him as their top target.
News broke on Monday afternoon that members of Kiffin’s family were in Baton Rouge. Sources tell On3 that they made a trip to Gainesville on Sunday, too.” — Pete Nakos, On3
There is no doubt that there is a ton of attention on Kiffin, even with multiple games left to go in this season, when you consider the postseason outlook for the Rebels. He’s been incredibly active on social media in recent weeks, but hasn’t quite quieted the whispers that he may leave Oxford.
Regardless, Frankin is the first domino of many to fall. He was a proven, experienced backup option for many big-time programs who could be (or already are) looking for a new HC this offseason.
Penn State Nittany Lions News
College GameDay stunned as James Franklin enters early talks to coach Virginia Tech
James Franklin is in early talks to become Virginia Tech’s next head coach. GameDay reports mutual interest as the Hokies search for a proven program builder.
