James Franklin makes feelings known on taking Virginia Tech HC job 35 days after Penn State firing

Penn State fired James Franklin from his coaching position on Oct. 12, after three straight losses. However, just over a month after being dismissed by the Nittany Lions, Franklin was appointed as Virginia Tech's coach on Monday.

In a statement, Franklin expressed his intentions to bring success to the Hokies.

"I'm honored and humbled to join the Hokie family," Franklin said in a statement. "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."

Franklin will be introduced as Virginia Tech's football coach on Wednesday.

The Hokies fired Brent Pry from his coaching position in September after an 0-3 start to the season and a 16-24 record in just over three seasons.

Pry worked under Franklin as Penn State's defensive coordinator from 2016 to 2021.

Nick Saban shares his thoughts on James Franklin's potential fit at Virginia Tech

NCAA Football: Former Penn State HC James Franklin- Source: Imagn

On Saturday, legendary former Alabama coach Nick Saban offered his thoughts on James Franklin's fit with Virginia Tech.

"This would be a great hire for Virginia Tech," Saban said on "College GameDay." "You would get a class guy and a class coach who would be very successful, I'm sure."

Franklin posted a 104-45 record at Penn State in just over 11 seasons. He won the Big Ten championship in 2016, the Fiesta Bowl in 2017 and a Rose Bowl in 2022.

Franklin led Penn State to the College Football Playoff semifinal last season, where his team lost to Notre Dame. However, after a poor start to this season, the Nittany Lions parted ways with him.

Virginia Tech (3-7, 2-4 ACC) will face the No. 15 Miami Hurricanes (8-2, 4-2 ACC) on Saturday. The game will kick off at noon ET from Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Virginia.