Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images
James Franklin was fired midway through the 2025 college football season. He’s already rebounded before its conclusion.
The former Penn State leader will coach at Virginia Tech next year. That marriage saves the Nittany Lions a lot of money.
Franklin was relieved of his duties in October amid a three-game losing skid. His team lost a heartbreaker to Oregon before dropping back-to-back contests as heavy favorites vs. Northwestern and UCLA.
That firing came with a near $50 million buyout, which was one of the largest in the sport’s history. The head coach was, however, contractually obligated to help reduce that expense.
A mitigation clause was included in his Penn State deal. The salary agreed upon at his next school would offset the Nittany Lions’ financial responsibility.
With the news of his Virginia Tech hiring, a settlement number has been revealed.
James Franklin saved Penn State $40 million.
Initially, the buyout number sat somewhere in the range of $48 million. It’s being reported that the school is now on the hook for just $9 million.
Former Penn State head coach James Franklin is set to become the next head coach at Virginia Tech, and it’s expected to help out the Nittany Lions financially.
Penn State negotiated a settlement for Franklin’s buyout in recent weeks, giving him roughly $9 million, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. That will replace the $48 million he could have been owed had he remained unemployed beyond 2025…
Instead, he will be paid the $9 million. It will not be paid out in a lump sum, but will instead be spread out, according to a source.
The Hokies will save Penn State a ton of dough. Virginia Tech will provide a destination where the coach can mask his Achilles’ heel. It’s a win-win!
No ‘Big Game James’ in Blacksburg.
James Franklin won nearly 70% of his games in Happy Valley. That number soared to 84% against unranked foes. It was the big games he had problems with, particularly in Big Ten play.
Penn State was 4-21 in 25 games against Top 10 opponents under Franklin. That included a 1-19 mark in conference action. It had an impact on perception.
The Nittany Lions were never viewed on the level of Ohio State and Michigan. The big game narrative overshadowed success.
That shouldn’t be an issue at his new stop. Virginia Tech does not face top-level competition as frequently.
If you look at the current Top 10, you’ll find no ACC teams. Since 2014 (Franklin’s first at Penn State), the Hokies have played just ten league foes with a Top 10 ranking – ten less than the Nittany Lions.
James Franklin’s Achilles’ heel will not be exposed. If he can continue his previous success against those lesser foes, he might just wake a sleeping giant.