Final reflections on James Franklin's time at Penn State

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There is no debating that the James Franklin era in Happy Valley helped provide some great moments for Penn State over the years. Although the shortcomings were well documented, deservedly so, the Nittany Lions experienced a sustained level of success the program had not really enjoyed in the Big Ten since coming into the conference. But Franklin is officially moving on after the school parted ways with him as Franklin has a new job lined up and ready to go.

Here are five final thoughts on James Franklin’s departure from Penn State to Virginia Tech.

James Franklin’s rebound comes fast

James Franklin won’t be away from the sidelines for long. After Penn State fired him on Oct. 12 following a disappointing 3-3 start to the season, the veteran coach has been announced as the next head coach at Virginia Tech.

The move helps both Franklin and Penn State financially. He’ll receive around $9 million in a negotiated settlement — a number that’s significantly less than the $48 million he could’ve been owed if he remained unemployed through 2025. Now that he’s coaching again, the university avoids the massive buyout hit.

The end of an era in Happy Valley

Franklin finished his Penn State career with a 104-45 record over 11+ seasons, highlighted by a 2024 College Football Playoff berth. That run ended with a semifinal loss to Notre Dame after a game-sealing interception from Drew Allar.The high from that playoff push carried into 2025, with many key players choosing to stay in school. Expectations were sky-high, but the offense couldn’t get into gear. A tough loss to Oregon derailed early momentum, and back-to-back upset defeats against UCLA and Northwestern sealed Franklin’s fate.

The firing came quickly — within 24 hours of the Northwestern loss — and left the program searching for its next identity.

What this means for Penn State

Franklin’s hiring is a win for Penn State’s books, but it also creates short-term instability. Multiple assistant coaches and support staff are expected to follow him to Virginia Tech, which could weaken the Nittany Lions during the final stretch of the season — especially heading into the season finale at Rutgers on Nov. 29 and any possible bowl game should Penn State be eligible.

The move also opens the door for potential transfer departures and decommitments from recruits who came to Happy Valley because of Franklin and his staff. The full ripple effect likely won’t hit until January’s transfer portal window, but damage control starts now for athletic director Pat Kraft.

Replacing Brent Pry in Blacksburg

Franklin now replaces Brent Pry, his longtime defensive coordinator at Penn State and Vanderbilt, who was recently fired by Virginia Tech. There’s already speculation that Pry could return to Penn State in some capacity, possibly reclaiming his old role as defensive coordinator. That potential reunion could provide some stability to a program now looking for direction.

Final Word

James Franklin’s time at Penn State had highs — New Year’s Six wins, Big Ten contention, a CFP berth — and some major lows. His exit was messy, but his quick return to coaching brings some financial relief and clarity.Now, both sides look to move forward. Franklin is building something new at Virginia Tech. Penn State? They’re rebuilding — again.

This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: 5 reactions to James Franklin hiring at Virginia Tech

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