James Franklin is in early talks to move on from the Penn State era quickly with a decision soon expected
The Penn State era could be quickly behind James Franklin.
This season has been as big of a letdown for the Penn State Nittany Lions as any, given the high expectations they entered the year with. Penn State opened the season ranked No. 2, but now finds itself unranked with a 3–6 record. James Franklin was fired after the team’s third straight loss on Oct. 11 against Northwestern. Fast forward a few weeks, and the Nittany Lions have now dropped six straight games overall, and Franklin is already in talks to become a head coach again.
James Franklin could soon be a head coach in the ACC
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Franklin and the Virginia Tech Hokies have mutual interest and are in the early stages of discussions about making him their next head coach. A decision on Franklin’s candidacy could come as early as next week, and one of the biggest names on the market may already be close to coming off the board.
Virginia Tech parted ways with Brent Pry on Sept. 14 after a three-score loss to Old Dominion dropped the Hokies to 0–3. They now sit at 3–6 with wins over Wofford, NC State, and California. The Hokies are expected to conduct a full search with multiple candidates, and Franklin will surely be among the most qualified.
Franklin went 104–45 at Penn State, including a College Football Playoff berth and a first-round win last season. Before arriving in Happy Valley, he posted a 24–15 record over three seasons at Vanderbilt, which helped launch him into the Penn State job. The 53-year-old Franklin is owed approximately $49 million in buyout money from Penn State, though that total would be subject to offset if he accepts another head coaching position.
Penn State will now turn its attention to securing its fourth win of the season on Saturday against Michigan State, hoping to snap a losing streak that dates back to Sept. 13 against Villanova. Off the field, their former 12-year head coach is already in discussions about a potential return to the sidelines in the ACC.
