In a surprising turn of events, James Franklin will not be taking the sidelines for Virginia Tech this weekend. Despite his recent hire as the new head coach, Franklin's role won't be in play for the upcoming game against Miami.
Virginia Tech, under the interim leadership of Philip Montgomery, will face off against Miami on Saturday, November 23, 2025, at 12 noon. This decision comes as a bit of a shock to fans who were eagerly anticipating Franklin's debut. The Hokies are currently in a tough spot, with a forgettable season on the field.
Franklin's arrival at Virginia Tech has been met with a mix of excitement and curiosity. The new coach was officially introduced at a roaring Cassell Coliseum press conference, where he outlined his game plan, staff moves, and recruiting strategies. However, his actual coaching duties will not commence until after the current season.
Franklin's absence from the sidelines this weekend is part of a strategic plan. The university and the coaching staff are likely using this time to finalize details and ensure a smooth transition for the new head coach. This approach allows Franklin to focus on recruiting and staffing decisions, which are crucial for the team's future success.
Fans and analysts alike are speculating about the potential impact of Franklin's leadership. His tenure at Penn State, where he left a significant mark, has set high expectations for his performance at Virginia Tech. The Hokies are hoping that Franklin's expertise will bring a new era of success, similar to what he achieved at Penn State.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Franklin's first official game as the head coach of Virginia Tech. The team's performance this weekend will be closely watched, but the real test of Franklin's coaching prowess will come next season. For now, fans will have to wait and see how the Hokies fare under interim coach Montgomery.
