Ever since James Franklin appeared on College GameDay after his firing and declared that he wants to coach again, a plethora of programs have come after him. One of them was Virginia Tech, which had fired head coach Brent Pry and was pushing for Franklin’s appointment. “I can confirm mutual interest right now, and a potential resolution next week,” reported Pete Thamel. However, Franklin has been ‘slow rolling’ the process and is looking for big-name jobs (including FSU) to open up.

Locked on Nittany Lions host Zach Seyko wrote on X how VT’s pursuit of James Franklin is turning into a fool’s errand. Why? The former Penn State head coach seems not to be interested and is bent on waiting for the FSU job to open up. “James Franklin is Virginia Tech’s top choice. Virginia Tech is not James Franklin’s top choice,” wrote Seyko.

According to The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman, James Franklin is in early talks with Virginia Tech. However, the former Nittany Lions’ head coach also wants to wait it out to see other potential jobs opening up. That makes things tricky for Virginia Tech. Franklin’s indecision can turn fatal for his chances at both the FSU and VT jobs. Why?

This is because Mike Norvell isn’t going away from FSU any time soon, as echoed by its AD. “As we continue to move forward this season, our comprehensive assessment of the football program will be completed at season’s end. Meanwhile, we are fully committed to helping Coach Norvell and the 2025 Seminoles strongly rebound in the coming weeks,” said FSU AD Michael Alford. Virginia Tech, on the other hand, wants to move in quickly.

“James Franklin has been the top target at Virginia Tech for well over a week. Hokies want to get deal done soon, sources have emphasized,” reported ON3’s Pete Nakos. The Seminoles haven’t yet fired the FSU head coach, but it could have, if not for his expensive buyout. Still, the program wants to compete at the highest level, winning national championships, something Franklin also desires. That can further complicate things for Virginia Tech amid the overall coaching carousel shakeups involving multiple teams. However, the Virginia Tech game vs FSU in Week 12 also opens up an interesting opportunity for some strategy.

A prominent CFB X account urges VT to go all in on James Franklin

Florida State, 4-5, is set to face Virginia Tech in the Week 12 game, and the result can go either way. The Hokies have a slim chance to win at just 15% as per FOX Sports, and Mike Norvell may keep his job post-win. For one, Mike Norvell’s $58 million buyout is huge, but also, since the program has announced to make a decision on him post-season. Virginia Tech then only has to lose against FSU to frustrate Franklin.

A prominent CFB X account, ‘The Tailgate Tent,’ posted a controversial take where VT could force Franklin to finally decide on the Hokies’ job. “Virginia Tech higher-ups going to make them throw the game today? If Hokies win, FSU may finally fire Norvell, which creates the opening that the top of Tech’s coaching hot board, James Franklin, wants way more than VT.” It surely feels controversial, but a loss against VT can increase the odds of Mike Norvell getting fired.

All in all, currently Norvell is trying to close the season with some dignity, which needs a win against Virginia Tech. According to reports, the Seminoles also don’t want to bear Norvell’s $55 million buyout. They might even give one more year to the head coach. Franklin might not end up with the Hokies. But Virginia Tech can ensure he doesn’t get the Seminoles’ job either, allegedly.