Once you get fired 9 months after nearly main your crew to the nationwide championship sport, it will in all probability be a motivator for the remainder of your profession. That’s the state of affairs Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin finds himself in today.
When Penn State fired Franklin, it was a present for Virginia Tech, which had solely just lately fired Franklin’s good pal, Brent Pry. An early opening, a faculty in determined want in a recruiting space Franklin is aware of all too properly, was an ideal storm.
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Virginia Tech desperately wanted James Franklin. And Franklin wanted Virginia Tech, too. Whereas some coaches would’ve taken Penn State’s cash and sat out for a 12 months or two, not Franklin. He’s wired otherwise — in a great way.
Franklin was a visitor on “Andy & Ari” of On3 this week, the place he mentioned his departure from Penn State and the way it will serve him properly for the longer term.
“One of many issues I talked to this crew about, coaches are consistently difficult the gamers to get higher,” Franklin mentioned. “And the identical goes for coaches. By this expertise, my 15 years, and what occurred this previous 12 months, we took on some dangers, pondering that we wanted to tackle some dangers to recover from the hump. And get these previous couple of wins……we have been a sport away from taking part in for the nationwide championship six video games earlier.”
Franklin is referring to hiring to coaches from outdoors of his consolation zone. Lesson discovered. That’s why his coordinators for the Hokies, Pry and Ty Howle, are coaches he trusts and is aware of properly.
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He additionally acknowledged that wasn’t the one factor he would do otherwise, however it was an enormous one.
So, does Franklin have a chip on his shoulder?
“I obtained an enormous chip on my shoulder, form of an uncommon state of affairs once more six video games earlier we’re taking part in for the nationwide championship,” he mentioned. “Now, clearly, some issues occurred that have been in my management, and I take complete accountability for that. However, yeah, I obtained an enormous chip on my shoulder. Extraordinarily motivated. Actually get pleasure from coming to work each single day. Working with a gaggle of people who find themselves keen about making Virginia Tech proud. And I really feel a accountability to Coach Beamer, I really feel a accountability to Bud Foster, I really feel a accountability to our rector, and the followers and the neighborhood.”
You possibly can watch the interview right here:
Most coaches would play down any kind of chip on their shoulder. Franklin acknowledges it. He’s right here to make Virginia Tech higher in 2026 — and past. There are not any rebuilding years. Franklin expects to win subsequent season. That’s a special mindset that Virginia Tech desperately wanted.
