Recently fired former Penn State head coach James Franklin could have his next coaching job soon and it’s not likely to be one of the big four on the list of twelve. While most of the coaching carousel conversation revolves around Penn State, LSU, Florida and Auburn, Franklin’s next destination might not be in the SEC or the Big Ten.
On Saturday, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported on Gameday that ACC team Virginia Tech felt “urgency” to sign the former Penn State head coach. Before Auburn or even a possible Florida State job might become open. While Franklin’s name has been associated with a number of open jobs, Virginia Tech seems to have the current inside track to securing the former head coach.
While Franklin to Virginia Tech seems plausible, additional teams could enter the conversation. With any names currently being discussed, the x-factor will likely continue to be the SEC teams. Many will wonder if the allure of LSU, Florida or Auburn will be in the Franklin mix. However, a different SEC team has been aggressive behind the scenes. The Arkansas Razorbacks have been involved since before the firing of Hugh Freeze at Auburn. According to Newsweek, not only have there been conversations, but a request made to Arkansas by Franklin was a commitment to a $30 million roster.
“I was told James Franklin wants to know he has at least $30 million to spend on a roster. Two sources told Trey Biddyof of HawgSports and 247 Sports, “the interest between Franklin and Arkansas is very much legit. There has been contact there. Arkansas is basically going to make Franklin tell them no.”
The current likelihood of where Franklin will land currently points strongly to Virginia Tech. The spending patterns of Virginia Tech and Arkansas have been relatively similar. However, Virginia Tech athletic director Whit Babcock has lobbied the university for an increase in funds. With a 2029 goal of spending over $210 million according to Gia Nguyen of Sportscasting.com.
There is still the possibility other teams could get involved. Clemson and Florida State currently still have their current head coaches. If either of those status changes, they both could be interesting options. In addition to those ACC teams, the SEC offers interesting options as well. LSU, Florida and Auburn all have coaching vacancies with very little being said publicly about who those programs have their eyes on.
Negotiations continue between Franklin and Virginia Tech. According to Kolby Crawford of VTScoop, “it sounds like Virginia Tech has put a very generous and likely final offer on the table. They have met just about every demand and then some.” No official announcement is expected soon. However, the longer this carries on, the more likely other teams could enter the Franklin conversation. For either Virginia Tech or Arkansas to land Franklin, that decision would need to come sooner rather than later with multiple ‘blue bloods’ in need of a head coach.
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