Overview
- ESPN reports Virginia Tech and former Penn State coach James Franklin have mutual interest and are in early-stage discussions, with a resolution anticipated soon.
- Virginia Tech continues a full national search, though multiple outlets describe Franklin as the Hokies’ top target and suggest a decision could come as early as this weekend.
- Franklin has also drawn interest from SEC programs including Arkansas, and betting markets have recently listed him among the favorites for both the Hokies and Razorbacks openings.
- Franklin is owed a reported $45–$49 million buyout by Penn State, which would be offset by the salary of any new coaching contract he signs.
- Penn State is vetting a wide field of replacements, with names reported to include Brent Key, Bob Chesney, Will Stein, Brian Hartline and others.