James Franklin sends clear message while crashing ESPN broadcast

Virginia Tech Hokies coach James Franklin made his first public splash in Blacksburg on Saturday, joining ESPN’s broadcast during the game against Miami and Virginia Tech. He delivering a confident message about his vision for the program.

Franklin was formally introduced earlier in the week and detailed the passion surrounding VA Tech football. But the responsibility he now carries is vast to say the least. 

“There’s great passion and support for this place. Has been for a long time,” Franklin said. “Now it’s my job and our job to get this program back where everyone wants it to be.”

Franklin also called out an important early step. He reached out to legendary former coach Frank Beamer to ask for his blessing. He compared it to asking a father-in-law for permission to marry his daughter.

“I wanted to call him to pay respect,” Franklin said. “He built this program, and everybody loves him and his family. I called Frank Beamer and said, ‘Coach, before I make this decision, I want your blessing.’”

After initially missing Beamer on the first calls, Franklin connected with both Beamer and his wife, who offered their full support.

Franklin, who had six 10-win seasons at Penn State, hopes to bring similar success to a program that hasn’t reached double-digit wins since 2016.

“I’ve got a ton of respect for what he’s done here,” Franklin said of Beamer. “Now it’s time to get to work.”

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