This week, Virginia Tech officially hired James Franklin as its new head football coach, following his firing from Penn State earlier this season. That’s sparked plenty of discussion about how well he’ll do with the Hokies, given his strong overall coaching record between his jobs at Vanderbilt and with the Nittany Lions.
After his previous work in the Big Ten and SEC, he’ll now face some formidable contenders in the ACC. That includes former powerhouse Clemson, currently coached by Dabo Swinney. Much like Penn State, the Tigers’ season hasn’t been as successful as previous campaigns.
Despite the team not necessarily meeting expectations, Swinney remains the program’s head coach. As the Tigers’ and Hokies’ seasons wind down, he shared his thoughts on Franklin’s fit with Virginia Tech.
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“I’ve known James for a long time, have a great relationship with him. He’ll certainly be great for our league, and I think it’s a great fit, you know, similar recruiting footprint to what he’s been a part of for a long time,” Swinney said, adding he was “happy” for Franklin and his wife.
“He’s a winner. I know people- he hadn’t won the championship. He was a play away last year from being in the National Championship, but he’s a proven football coach, and I think they made a great hire. I think he’ll do a great job. He’s great for the league, great for Virginia Tech, and good for the kids he’ll have an opportunity to coach,” Clemson’s coach said.
Franklin takes over as the Hokies have a 3-7 overall record and a 2-4 ACC record. However, he took Penn State to the College Football Playoff semifinals last season, and previously coached them to the Big Ten Championship in 2016. His overall record as head coach is 128-60, and an 8-7 bowl record.
According to ESPN, he’ll get his official introduction as Hokies head coach at a press conference on Wednesday. Then he makes his official debut on Saturday when they take on the ACC’s Miami Hurricanes, and end the regular season with a battle against in-state opponent Virginia.
Meanwhile, Swinney’s Tigers are 5-5 and looking toward a potential bowl game appearance. They close their season with a home game against Furman on Saturday, followed by an away rivalry game against South Carolina for the Palmetto Bowl on Saturday, Nov. 29.
Swinney undoubtedly has much respect for Franklin at Virginia Tech, ahead of a potential matchup between their ACC teams in future seasons.
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