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James Franklin’s contract at Virginia Tech will pay the former Penn State coach at least $41.75 million over the next five years, according to a report by ESPN's David Hale Friday.
The deal extends through 2030 and is heavily backloaded. Franklin is set to earn $6 million in 2026 before the number climbs to as much as $13.25 million in 2030, positioning him among the ACC’s highest-paid coaches by the end of the term.
The structure reflects a shifting landscape in college athletics, where programs are preparing for expanded revenue-sharing models.
In a sign of that changing era, Franklin is eligible for up to $800,000 in annual bonuses tied to TV viewership, aligning with the ACC’s recently adopted distribution plan rewarding schools that deliver higher ratings.
Virginia Tech previously approved a $229 million athletics budget increase over four years. They're also pledging $9.5 million for Franklin’s assistant coaches and $6 million for supplemental staff, including analysts, recruiting personnel and sports science.
The contract provides additional support-staff increases based on on-field performance, ranging from $200,000 for a six-win season to $800,000 for 12 wins, along with bonuses tied to ACC championship game and College Football Playoff appearances.
“I’m going to walk the facility and make it very obvious that these things are nice and first class, and these things are dated and problematic,” Franklin told ESPN. “We need to get them fixed and fixed fast.”
Virginia Tech hired Franklin this week as it aims to reestablish itself as a national contender.
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- Virginia Tech reportedly funding roster near top of ACC for James Franklin
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