Marty Gordon
NRVsports@mainstreetnewspapers.com
James Franklin is Virginia Tech’s new head football coach, and after a whirlwind tour by he and his family, he might have a chance to finally catch his breath. The former Penn State coach problem did over three dozen interviews with appearances on ESPN and even the Pat McCaffee national show.
His official announcement took place last Wednesday in front of national media, players and plenty of Hokie fans in Cassell Coliseum. He then spoke at both men’s and women’s basketball games.
Virginia Tech officials said Franklin will lead the Hokies into a new era of competitive growth and program investment both on and off the field.
“Virginia Tech has attracted and hired an incredible head coach and extraordinary recruiter in James Franklin. The Board of Visitors enthusiastically supports this hire,” said Rector of the Board of Visitors John Rocovich. “We signal to Hokie Nation, and the entire nation, the shared importance of athletic support and success.”
Franklin brings more than 30 years of coaching experience at the collegiate level, most recently serving as head coach at Penn State. Franklin’s career head coaching record is 128-60 and he is one of three active FBS coaches with a 68-plus winning percentage and 14-plus years of head coaching experience. His 104 wins in his 12 seasons as head coach at Penn State are the second most wins in school history.
“Laura and I enthusiastically welcome Coach Franklin and his family to Virginia Tech and Hokie Nation. His experience, passion, and record of success embody our commitment to compete at the highest level,” said Virginia Tech President Tim Sands. “His selection is the result of unprecedented collaboration by our athletic administration with university leaders, esteemed alumni, including former NFL coaches and players, and our most dedicated supporters.
“James will provide the leadership and inspiration our student-athletes need, and the performance on the field that our university community, alumni, and fans expect and deserve. I can’t wait to be in Lane Stadium when he leads the team out of the tunnel for the first time, the crowd starts jumping, and we launch this winning journey together.”
During his tenure in State College, Franklin revived the Nittany Lions into a consistent force. Under Franklin’s direction, Penn State finished in the top 12 of the final College Football Playoff rankings in seven of the last nine seasons, earned berths in seven New Year’s Six bowl games with four wins, and won the 2016 Big Ten Championship.
“James Franklin embodies the spirit, vision, and relentless pursuit of excellence that will elevate Virginia Tech Football back on the national stage where it belongs,” said Babcock. “This is a landmark moment for our program — made possible by the unwavering commitment of our Board of Visitors, the Search Committee, University leadership, and donors, who share a bold Invest to Win mindset.
“I’m honored and humbled to join the Hokie family,” said Franklin. “My vision is simple: to restore unmatched excellence, to build something that lasts, and to serve this University, the Commonwealth of Virginia and our amazing fan base with honor, integrity, and passion. I look forward to getting to work with our players, our staff, and the entire Virginia Tech community.”
During his first press conference, Franklin took a moment to say he asked former coach Frank Beamer for his blessing in taking the job.
“James is a great hire. I have been very impressed, and he is exactly the right hire for Virginia Tech,” Beamer said.
Franklin’s contract is for five-plus years valued at a total of $41,750,000 in compensation from Virginia Tech. The term of employment agreement began on November 15 and stretches through 2020.
The breakdown on his contract was finally released on Friday with the contract being built on incentives and bonuses not only for Franklin, but also for his assistants.
Under the plan, he would receive $50,000 for six wins and build all the way to $250,000 for 12 wins. This would includes a bonus pool for assistants starting at $200,000 and stretching to $800,000. The same is true for support staff from $125,000 to $575,000. Thus, make a win and you benefit.
An ACC championship appearance includes $75,000 for the head coach, a win is $150,000 and bonuses ranging from $150,000 to $800,000 for CFP playoff appearances and wins.
Franklin would also receive additional money for conference coach of the year and increase in ACC viewership.
Virginia Tech will provide a budget of up to $ 9.5 million for the annual compensation (inclusive of salary, supplemental, and/or retention pay) of 10 assistant coaches
The university will also pay a one-time bonus of $65,000 to be used towards moving and relocation expenses.
