​James Franklin hasn’t been shy about sharing his story, giving numerous interviews and continually revealing new details about his Penn State departure. He’s spoken about how things unfolded and his initial reactions and emotions, but more recently he’s offered his thoughts in hindsight on the situation. In a recent discussion with Ralph Russo of The Athletic, Franklin was asked whether he regretted not leaving on his own terms, and his answer was a straightforward “Yes.”
Franklin, now at Virginia Tech, has long believed he never received the love or appreciation he felt he deserved at Penn State, a sentiment that factors into why he now reflects on a different path. He has previously admitted that he was weighing a move in 2021 before Penn State locked him into a massive 10-year, $85 million contract, yet he might look back and wonder if another opportunity would have been better. He told Russo, “I didn’t feel like that at the time because when all these opportunities came I turned them down because we were so close.” Still, the relationship between Franklin and the school deteriorated rather quickly after that moment, culminating in his departure a few years later.
With the Hokies, Franklin appears to be earning the respect and admiration he always hoped to receive at Penn State. Virginia Tech’s program places fewer immediate demands on its head coach, and the fanbase there tends to be satisfied with consistently solid seasons, even if playoff contention isn’t a constant objective. That environment is a notable departure from the high-pressure spotlight of Penn State, where expectations for conference and national success have remained storied and intense.
Franklin accomplished a great deal during his tenure at Penn State, yet he couldn’t push the program over the hump in the most crucial moments when the stakes were highest. He may not recognize it, but the dynamic between him and the university had run its course by the end of his tenure, and acknowledging that truth can be a healthy, honest conclusion. The challenge of justifying the absence of a playoff appearance and major postseason wins, given the vast talent and resources at Penn State, helped pave the way for a fresh start for both sides.
As this narrative continues to unfold, fans and observers alike will watch how Franklin’s perspective evolves with time and how his current chapter at Virginia Tech aligns with the goals and expectations of his new program. For ongoing updates on Franklin and related Penn State discussions, follow Nittany Lions Wire on X and Facebook. This reflection originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire, framing Franklin’s notable regret as part of the broader conversation about his Penn State tenure and its lasting implications.