Virginia Tech appears to have made a desperate effort to make James Franklin commit to the program with a report that came from ESPN’s Pete Thamel during “College GameDay” on Saturday morning.
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Thamel claimed VT and Franklin were in talks, and a decision was expected to be made in the next few days. However, the Hokies are still “engaged” with other candidates.
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“Former Penn State head coach James Franklin and Virginia Tech are engaged in the early stages of talks about him becoming the next Virginia Tech head coach,” Thamel said. “Resolution on his candidacy at Virginia Tech is expected in the upcoming days.”Â
“Look, Tech is still running a full search. They’re engaged with other candidates, but I can confirm mutual interest right now, and the potential resolution early next week, and we’ll see if James Franklin is coaching in the ACC next season.”
One way to make sense of Thamel’s report is that there is an ultimatum of sorts going on. VT is giving Franklin a deadline to sign a deal.
“Translation: we need a decision by (date) or we’re moving on. Will they stick to it?” college football insider Josh Pate posted on X.
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Brett McMurphy of On3 suggested that the Hokies’ deadline coincides with Franklin’s expected interest in coaching at Florida State University. The Noles host VT on Saturday.
“How messed up is college football?” McMurphy posted on X. “Virginia Tech wants an answer from James Franklin, but he could have an eye on Florida State (if it opens). So if Hokies beat FSU today, they could increase chances of Norvell’s firing & ultimately hurt Tech’s chances in hiring Franklin.”
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Thamel’s report also gives Franklin a chance to give FSU a final warning. The Seminoles would need to fire head coach Mike Norvell by Sunday, or Franklin could officially sign with Virginia Tech, an ACC competitor.
Like what happens in the NFL from the Scouting Combine to the draft, nothing is as it seems during the lying season of college football. It’ll be Interesting to see what choices are made in Blacksburg and Tallahassee following Saturday’s matchup between the Hokies and Noles.
For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.