The Virginia Tech Hokies football team officially has their head coach of the future. The school announced Monday that they have hired James Franklin to be their next leader, and will be officially introduced at a news conference on Wednesday.

Franklin released a statement following the announcement.

"I'm honored and humbled to join the Hokie family," Franklin said. "My vision is simple: to restore unmatched excellence, to build something that lasts, and to serve this University, the Commonwealth of Virginia and our amazing fan base with honor, integrity, and passion. I look forward to getting to work with our players, our staff, and the entire Virginia Tech community."

As part of his deal with the Hokies, as reported by ESPN, Franklin received a $9 million settlement from the Penn State Nittany Lions after being fired on Oct. 12. He was originally owed a buyout worth $49 million.

Franklin went 128-60 in 12 seasons with the Nittany Lions and three with the Vanderbilt Commodores. The team made it as far as the semifinals in the 2024 College Football Playoff as the No. 6 seed.

It was the program’s first-ever appearance in the CFP, and they defeated No. 11 SMU 38–10 at home in the first round, and later No. 3 Boise State 31-14 in the Fiesta Bowl. They eventually lost to No. 7 Notre Dame in a close 27-24 contest. Their 13-3 record marked the team’s first-ever 13-win season.

Then, things quickly crumbled, and after a 3-3 start to 2025 that saw Penn State go 0-3 in Big Ten Play, Franklin was gone. Now, he replaces his former defensive coordinator at VA Tech, Brent Pry, who was fired in September after an 0-3 start.

Franklin will be the Hokies’ most accomplished head coach since Frank Beamer, a Hall of Famer who retired in 2015.

“Virginia Tech has attracted and hired an incredible head coach and extraordinary recruiter in James Franklin. The Board of Visitors enthusiastically supports this hire,” said Rector of the Board of Visitors John Rocovich in a statement. “We signal to Hokie Nation, and the entire nation, the shared importance of athletic support and success.”

With 30 years of coaching experience in college football, and 14-plus as a head coach, Franklin brings serious pedigree with his recruiting prowess being highlighted. He had the second-most wins in school history with 104 in 12 seasons as head coach.

Penn State finished in the top 12 of the final College Football Playoff rankings in seven of their last nine seasons, in addition to seven New Year’s Six appearances with four wins, and the 2016 Big Ten Championship. That’s a record of proven, sustained success.