After weeks of dilly-dallying, James Franklin finally made up his mind and accepted the head coach position at Virginia Tech. The former Penn State HC was introduced to the media and the fans in his avatar on Wednesday morning. The introductory press meet also revealed key details about his contract at the Hokies.

According to Board member Ryan McCarthy, James Franklin’s contract is for a five-year term. Details regarding his compensation have not been revealed yet. We can certainly expect a good chunk, considering his expertise and experience combined. According to USA Sports, he was in the top 20 highest-paid coaching list during his time at Penn State, at $8.5 million.

Just when Franklin was hired by the Hokies, news broke from Penn State quarters that he had renegotiated his buyout to $9 million, rather than the nearly $50 million he was to be paid. The earlier buyout was to be paid until 2031, and since Franklin’s contract already required him to look for a new job, it made sense to adjust for a shorter amount. Additionally, he will get a significant amount for his services at the Hokies.

Virginia Tech possesses significant financial resources, as evidenced by the recent million-dollar investment in the Athletics department to attract top prospects. Back in September, AD Whit Babcock rolled out a delicious $229 million scoop to help Virginia Tech scale up in the competitive landscape. Franklin is 100% committed to developing Virginia Tech. So, the Hokies won’t likely be shy in that regard.

“I’m honored and humbled to join the Hokie family,” Franklin shared during his opening speech. “I look forward to getting to work with our players, our staff, and the entire Virginia Tech community.”

Although Franklin’s 2025 start was derailed. But before that trajectory, he had a stacked resume.  A coaching record of 125-57, reaching the 100-win milestone as recently as last year, becoming the third-fastest coach to do so. Only seven active head coaches have been able to pull off that impressive feat. Posting ten-win seasons is a demanding task, one that Franklin has achieved six times over the last nine years.

Along with his expertise, he may attract blue-chip recruits to the Hokies’ locker room. Penn State commits who gave their pledge to Happy Valley, owing to relationships developed by Franklin, might seem interested in being at Virginia Tech. Recently, CBS Sports reported that the former Penn State coach has gone all-out, communicating with assistant coaches and recruits to join him at Blacksburg.

There’s a reason why Franklin is called a player’s coach, landing elite talent and developing them for the league. We are talking Micah Parsons, Miles Sanders, and numerous other faces. Building on that success, AD Babcock is confident in his recruiting efforts.

“Coach Franklin is a proven program builder, a winner, and an elite recruiter,” he stated.

And Franklin is already ten steps ahead. He has already put his foot on the gas pedal and won’t be slowing down.

“Two nights ago, I had 40 players on the phone, young men that are committed to Virginia Tech,” Franklin said.

Along with seeing new faces on the recruiting front, Virginia Tech might also see new faces on the coaching roster.

James Franklin and the coaching overhaul

Talking about his coaching roster, James Franklin plans to have an overhaul. As he mentioned, he will be evaluating the current staff and tailoring his coaching requirements to what fits best. Don’t be surprised; if he splurges money to bring in top coaches to fill the coaching talent gap. Starting off with the offensive and defensive lines.

“That’s a grown man’s game in there,” as he put it.

However, not everyone. Virginia Tech’s architect Bud Foster, who currently serves as the defensive advisor, will most likely remain, as the legend’s insights have always been a significant aid to the program. 

“For me to be able to talk coach to coach with Bud has been extremely valuable,” Franklin said in his speech.

Following the unfortunate trajectory that unfolded over the past weeks, James Franklin bounced back stronger. It had been an emotionally rattling time for him. With just 30 minutes prior to his scheduled practice, he was informed of his firing.

Now, stepping into a fresh beginning, James Franklin is dialing down on that very goal that escaped him at University Park. The coveted national championship.

“That goal hasn’t changed,” says a confident James Franklin. “We’re just going to go win a national championship somewhere else now.”

The Hokies’ future seems bright. Seasoned with over 30 years of experience, mentoring 116 players to the pro league, and 32 national major award winners or finalists, Franklin is all in to lead Virginia Tech to national conversations.