Virginia Tech's Franklin Embraces Chip on Shoulder

New Hokies coach acknowledges motivation from Penn State firing

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:33am

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting a football game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of maroon and orange representing the dynamic energy and intensity of the sport.Franklin's drive to redeem himself could power Virginia Tech's return to national prominence.Blacksburg Today

Virginia Tech's new head football coach James Franklin is embracing a 'chip on his shoulder' after being fired from Penn State just months after nearly leading the team to the national championship game. Franklin says he's extremely motivated to prove himself and make Virginia Tech proud, feeling a responsibility to legendary coaches like Frank Beamer and Bud Foster.

Why it matters

Franklin's openness about his drive to redeem himself after the Penn State firing signals a new, more aggressive mindset for the Hokies program. His willingness to take risks and learn from past mistakes could help Virginia Tech break through and compete for national titles again.

The details

Franklin was fired from Penn State just nine months after the team was one game away from playing for the national championship. Rather than take a year off, he quickly jumped at the opportunity to become the new head coach at Virginia Tech, a program in need of a turnaround. Franklin acknowledged he made some risky coaching hires at Penn State that didn't pan out, but said he's learned from those mistakes and has assembled a trusted staff of coordinators in Blacksburg.

  • Franklin was fired from Penn State in December 2025.
  • He was hired as the new Virginia Tech head coach in January 2026.

The players

James Franklin

The new head football coach at Virginia Tech, who previously served as the head coach at Penn State. Franklin was fired from Penn State just months after leading the team to the brink of the national championship game.

Brent Pry

The new defensive coordinator at Virginia Tech, who is a close friend of Franklin's and was previously the head coach at Penn State.

Ty Howle

The new offensive coordinator at Virginia Tech, who Franklin trusts and has worked with in the past.

Frank Beamer

The legendary former head coach of the Virginia Tech football program, who Franklin says he feels a responsibility to.

Bud Foster

The legendary former defensive coordinator at Virginia Tech, who Franklin says he feels a responsibility to.

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What they’re saying

“One of the things I talked to this team about, coaches are constantly challenging the players to get better. And the same goes for coaches. Through this experience, my 15 years, and what happened this past year, we took on some risks, thinking that we needed to take on some risks to get over the hump. And get those last few wins...we were a game away from playing for the national championship six games earlier.”

— James Franklin, Head Coach, Virginia Tech

“I got a huge chip on my shoulder, kind of an unusual situation again six games earlier we're playing for the national championship. Now, obviously, some things happened that were in my control, and I take total responsibility for that. But, yeah, I got a big chip on my shoulder. Extremely motivated. Really enjoy coming to work every single day. Working with a group of people who are passionate about making Virginia Tech proud. And I feel a responsibility to Coach Beamer, I feel a responsibility to Bud Foster, I feel a responsibility to our rector, and the fans and the community.”

— James Franklin, Head Coach, Virginia Tech

What’s next

Franklin and the Hokies will look to quickly turn the program around and compete for ACC and national titles in 2026 and beyond, with the coach's added motivation from his Penn State firing driving the team forward.

The takeaway

James Franklin's openness about having a 'chip on his shoulder' after being fired from Penn State signals a new, more aggressive mindset for the Virginia Tech football program. His willingness to learn from past mistakes and assemble a trusted coaching staff could help the Hokies break through and compete for national championships again.