James Franklin will get a handsome check for leaving PSU, sure. But that doesn’t mean he’s done yet. “I don’t know anything else,” he’d said, affirming that fire in him is not quite out. A figure like James Franklin is a likely option for a big-time program like Florida or LSU. But he might have greater success at a quiet program, in an even quieter conference.

James Franklin’s long tenure at Penn State made him the most attractive name in the coaching carousel when he was fired. He came from a nationally prominent team, a winning percentage of 71.2%, and just a whole lot of greatness. On paper, Franklin seems to be the slam dunk option for any team that’s struggling for scraps. Coincidentally, he seems to be warming up to Virginia Tech, per 247Sports’ Kolby Crawford.

“This isn’t just pure speculation, but it’s not all intel; it’s sort of that mix. James Franklin, it sounds like, has maybe re-entered there a little bit, just with asking price and different things,” the insider said recently. Crawford also clarified that things are still “very early,” but VT has reportedly been “receptive.” But there’s also a big reason why the Hokies are getting more room here. “Are LSU or Florida gonna jump on James Franklin and be their next head football coach? It’s not looking like that’s gonna happen,” Crawford added.

Virginia Tech football is also looking to pay its next HC an 8-figure salary, per Crawford. VT has the juice to gamble intelligently and win a productive and elite head coach. James Franklin’s prowess and the Hokies’ newfound zeal in landing a solid pick seem like a good match. He’s spent a decade at an extremely prolific program. But it is because of those lofty achievements that the former HC looks like a really lucrative deal. Franklin inherited a Penn State that was rocked by NCAA sanctions. He brought a Big 10 title just two years later and has produced some really good players here. All that can come at Blacksburg with James Franklin, if VT agrees to pay him in millions.

Plus, James Franklin knows how to build a brand. Whatever good existed of the Hokies seems to have exited along with Frank Beamer. It’s not that VT was a program lurking in the shadows since eternity. Since it joined the ACC, Beamer brought 8 straight double-digit seasons. Not only that, but he also took the Hokies to the conference championships 6 times and won 4 titles. Virginia Tech didn’t need an overhaul to get back into winning ways. But it in the last few years, VT seems to be caving in on itself. This is no longer the Virginia Tech that used to dominate the ACC. But James Franklin can sure set the gears at Blacksburg for that to happen.

Franklin’s experience at the elite level is what makes him such a good choice at Blacksburg. VT just added $50 million to its athletic budget, which is set to grow to $229 million by 4 years. That’s more than enough to bring on Franklin and have him turn things around. James Franklin will bring instant attention to Blacksburg. Plus, he’s already a known figure in Virginia recruiting, which is going to be beyond helpful for the Hokies. It might not be long before we see Michael Vick’s level of success at Blacksburg if James Franklin is made HC.

Virginia Tech will have to fight a lot of programs to push for Franklin because he’s a big fish. However, not all waters will favor him – especially Florida and LSU. Virginia Tech becomes an attractive option for Franklin for this reason.

Why James Franklin can reset himself at Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech isn’t as high-profile as LSU and Florida. Right now, they are the hottest jobs available. Franklin matches with them simply because they are the flashiest programs looking for an HC. Sure, his record also seems like a good resource, and both programs could use it to kick-start their good days. But Franklin has been to the South, coaching Vanderbilt for 3 seasons. And in that time, he produced an average record. He did pull Vanderbilt up from a perennial slump; he’ll get that credit. But then comes his most glaring problem.

Franklin’s vice of not winning big games is a huge threat to these SEC programs. If he couldn’t win against programs like Ohio State or Michigan, there is no guarantee that he’ll win against teams like Alabama, Georgia, and others. Losing to Big 10 programs is one thing, but the sting of losing to SEC bluebloods is harsher. At Virginia Tech, that risk is minimal. The most he’ll get to face here is Clemson and Miami. These two seem far easier than programs like Ohio State or Alabama. James Franklin can truly breathe easy at Blacksburg.

“Virginia Tech has never been better positioned to compete at the highest levels of the ACC and nationally. This committee brings star power, experience, and a true passion for Virginia Tech,” AD Whit Babcock said in a statement, announcing VT’s coaching search committee. Thankfully for him, James Franklin checks all of the boxes.