James Franklin has been hired as head coach of the Virginia Tech. Franklin was originally owed a $49 million buyout after being fired by Penn State on Oct. 12, but part of his deal with the Hokies, sources confirmed to ESPN, includes a $9 million settlement from the Nittany Lions.
\"I\'m honored and humbled to join the Hokie family,\" Franklin said in a statement. \"My vision is simple: to restore unmatched excellence, to build something that lasts, and to serve this University, the Commonwealth of Virginia and our amazing fan base with honor, integrity, and passion. I look forward to getting to work with our players, our staff, and the entire Virginia Tech community.\"
Franklin replaces his former defensive coordinator Brent Pry, who was fired in September after an 0-3 start and a 16-24 record with the Hokies through four seasons.
Franklin came to Penn State in 2014 in the throes of NCAA sanctions from the Jerry Sandusky sexual abuse scandal.
Via Pete Thamel/ESPN