James Franklin is in the ‘early stages’ of negotiations to take over at Virginia Tech, only weeks after he was fired by Penn State.
The 53-year-old lost his job last month after a dreadful start to the 2025 season with the Nittany Lions.
Franklin was owed more than $49million by Penn State – among the biggest buyouts in college football history.
On Saturday, however, ESPN revealed that Franklin has begun talks with Virginia Tech over its head coach role, with a decision on his future expected over the next few days.
The Hokies, who are reportedly still considering other candidates, have been on the lookout for a new leader since firing Brent Pry in September. They are 3-6 heading into Saturday’s clash with Florida State.
Franklin spent 12 seasons with Penn State before being axed on October 12 in the wake of three consecutive losses.
James Franklin is in the ‘early stages’ of negotiations to take over as Virginia Tech head coach
The Hokies, who fired Brent Pry in September, are 3-6 heading into a clash with Florida State
The 53-year-old is owed around $50m from the school, meaning he is set to earn more than $20,000 a day through the end of his contract in 2031.
But the terms of Franklin’s extension reportedly state that he must make a ‘good faith’ effort to secure another job in a field such as coaching, scouting or broadcasting.
If and when Franklin lands a new role, the school will only have to pay him the difference between his new salary and the buyout.
Virginia Tech fired Pry after a home loss to Old Dominion that left the Hokies 0-3 on the 2025 campaign.
They went 16-24 through four seasons under Pry, who was owed more than $6m in his buyout.