When you get fired nine months after almost leading your team to the national championship game, it would probably be a motivator for the rest of your career. That’s the situation Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin finds himself in these days.
When Penn State fired Franklin, it was a gift for Virginia Tech, which had only recently fired Franklin’s good friend, Brent Pry. An early opening, a school in desperate need in a recruiting area Franklin knows all too well, was a perfect storm.
Virginia
Tech desperately needed James Franklin. And Franklin needed Virginia Tech, too. While some coaches would’ve taken Penn State’s money and sat out for a year or two, not Franklin. He’s wired differently — in a good way.
Franklin was a guest on “Andy & Ari” of On3 this week, where he discussed his departure from Penn State and how it will serve him well for the future.
“One of the things I talked to this team about, coaches are constantly challenging the players to get better,” Franklin said. “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.”
Franklin is referring to hiring to coaches from outside of his comfort zone. Lesson learned. That’s why his coordinators for the Hokies, Pry and Ty Howle, are coaches he trusts and knows well.
He also acknowledged that wasn’t the only thing he would do differently, but it was a big one.
So, does Franklin have a chip on his shoulder?
“I got a huge chip on my shoulder, kind of an unusual situation again six games earlier we’re playing for the national championship,” he said. “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.”
You can watch the interview here:
Most coaches would play down any type of chip on their shoulder. Franklin acknowledges it. He’s here to make Virginia Tech better in 2026 — and beyond. There are no rebuilding years. Franklin expects to win next season. That’s a different mindset that Virginia Tech desperately needed.
