Penn State offensive assistant leaving to join James Franklin at Virginia Tech, per report

Ty Howle, a former Penn State offensive lineman who has been with the Nittany Lions since the start of the 2020 season, is joining James Franklin’s Virginia Tech staff, per a report.

Howle, who joined PSU as an offensive analyst and worked as the team’s co-offensive coordinator and tight ends coach for the last four seasons, is expected to become the Hokies’ offensive coordinator and play-caller, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Sources: Virginia Tech is expected to hire Penn State co-offensive coordinator and tight ends coach Ty Howle as the school’s new offensive coordinator. He’s expected to be the school’s play caller as well. pic.twitter.com/6EEowrQPba

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 9, 2025

Franklin was fired by Penn State in mid-October after the Lions started the season 3-3. Franklin was hired by Virginia Tech last month.

Howle worked wonders with the Penn State tight ends room in recent years, developing talents like Brenton Strange, Theo Johnson, 2024 All-American Tyler Warren and current tight ends Khalil Dinkins, Luke Reynolds and Andrew Rappleyea.

Penn State’s 2025 roster also includes talented young tight ends Andrew Olesh, Matt Henderson and Brian Kortovich.

Howle played at Penn State from 2009 through 2013 for both the late Joe Paterno and Bill O’Brien.

Howle played center and guard and Howle was a team captain and starter on O’Brien’s 2013 team.

Penn State (6-6) will play Clemson (7-5) in the Pinstripe Bowl later this month.

Franklin earlier added former Penn State defensive coordinator Brent Pry to his Virginia Tech staff.