By Creg Stephenson, al.com (TNS)

James Franklin has been “engrossed” in discussions with Virginia Tech for its vacant head-coaching position and a decision could come “by the end of this weekend,” according to multiple reports Saturday.

The 53-year-old Franklin was fired on Oct. 12 after after Penn State lost to Northwestern, the Nittany Lions’ third straight loss in the Big Ten this season. Virginia Tech fired head coach Brent Pry on Sept. 14. Franklin, the East Stroudsburg University and Neshaminy High School graduate, was in the middle of his 12th season coaching at Penn State. Before coming to Penn State, Franklin was the head coach at Vanderbilt.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Saturday that Franklin and Virginia Tech are in the “early stages” of talks, while CBS’ Matt Zenitz is reporting that Franklin is the Hokies’ “top target.” Yahoo’s Ross Dellenger is reporting that the two sides have been “engrossed” in discussions for several weeks, while The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman is reporting that Virginia Tech is hopeful the two sides can “get a deal done” by Monday.

Franklin’s name has also been mentioned in connection with several SEC jobs, including Auburn, Florida and Arkansas. He’s also reportedly interested in Florida State, which may or may not come open by the end of the season.

Franklin is 104-45 in 15 seasons as a college head coach, three at Vanderbilt and 12 at Penn State. He is a Pennsylvania native, but spent his formative years as a coach at Maryland and has long-standing recruiting ties in the mid-Atlantic area.

https://www.mcall.com/2025/11/15/former-penn-state-coach-james-franklin-may-get-new-job-within-days/