Introduction
When James Franklin stood at the dais in the press conference for Virginia Tech Hokies this week, the world of college football watched on closely. The question on many minds: Is he coaching this week? The answer: yes—and the broader implications of his arrival are major.
The Big Announcement
On November 17, 2025, Virginia Tech’s athletic department officially announced the hiring of James Franklin as their next head football coach.
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The press conference was set for 10 a.m. ET on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Cassell Coliseum’s Carilion Clinic Court.
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Franklin arrives with a career record of 128-60 as a collegiate head coach, spanning tenures at both Penn State Nittany Lions and Vanderbilt Commodores.
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Virginia Tech’s leadership framed the hire as a “landmark moment” for the program, citing a concerted push to return to national relevance.
Is He Coaching This Week?
Yes — James Franklin will begin his role immediately as head coach of Virginia Tech.
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The official introduction via press conference marks the formal start of his tenure.
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Given the timing (mid-November) and the public visibility of the event, the expectation is that he will take over all head coaching duties, including game planning, recruiting, and program oversight, as soon as practical.
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While some transitional elements may remain (existing staff, current roster commitments), the “coaching this week” question is answered in the affirmative: Franklin is now the head coach and operational leader of the program.
Key Messages from the Press Conference
During the press conference, Franklin emphasized several themes that stood out:
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Respect for tradition: He paid tribute to long-time Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer, saying he sought his blessing before taking the job.
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Commitment to the entire program: He made clear that both current players and incoming recruits are “his players” from Day 1. He said: “The most important thing is recruiting our current players… they’re all my players now.”
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Vision and urgency: Franklin mentioned wanting to “restore unmatched excellence… build something that lasts” and that his family will “pour their heart and soul” into the Hokie program.
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Recruiting emphasis: He indicated immediate action on recruiting visits and asked for fan support to show up and create a vibrant game-day atmosphere.
Why This Hire Matters
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Virginia Tech has not posted a double-digit win season since 2016, and Franklin’s arrival signals bold ambition to return to competitiveness.
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Franklin brings a track record of bowl appearances and program building (for example, turning Vanderbilt into a consistent bowl participant before moving to Penn State).
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His recruiting ties in the I-95 corridor (notably the DMV area) are seen as a valuable asset for Virginia Tech’s talent pipeline.
Challenges Ahead
Of course, the road will not be easy:
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Franklin leaves behind mixed review in “big-game” scenarios (for example at Penn State he had a less successful record versus top-10 teams).
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Virginia Tech must bolster its roster, renew fan enthusiasm, and adapt to the changing landscape of college football (transfers, NIL, etc.).
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Expectations will be elevated immediately — not just “better than last year” but “back to contender” in the eyes of supporters.
Final Thoughts
In short: Yes, James Franklin is coaching this week — he’s officially at the helm of the Virginia Tech football program as of the press conference. His arrival sets in motion a new era for the Hokies. The question now becomes not if he is coach, but how quickly and how effectively he will transform the program.
Fans, alumni, recruits, and rivals alike will be watching closely.
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