Michael Wilbon praises Virginia Tech hiring James Franklin: 'Much better fit than him trying to go off to LSU or Florida'

From the moment James Franklin got fired by Penn State, his name began to pop up at different places. Not just in an area of the country where Franklin has spent most of his career, either, being linked to a few schools in the South. But eventually, Virginia Tech won out and Franklin will become the Hokies’ next head coach.

Michael Wilbon appears to be happy Franklin landed in Blacksburg. He sees where the two are a nice partnership for one another, mainly due to the familiarity Franklin has due to his experience at Penn State. In a world where some SEC schools might have come calling, Wilbon likes the fit better at Virginia Tech.

“There’s an enormous overlap between Penn State and Virginia Tech,” Wilbon said on Pardon The Interruption. “The kids they recruit, the appeal they have. It’s a large region that doesn’t really have defined lines but Franklin knows the region… He’s recruited the area. It seems like it’s a great fit to me, Franklin and Virginia Tech. Much better fit than him trying to go off to LSU or Florida.”

For the time being, both Florida and LSU are chasing one man — Lane Kiffin. Ole Miss wants to keep him in Oxford, leaving some coaching searches in a standstill at the moment. Not Virginia Tech, though. Athletic director Whit Babcock has to feel like a home run hire was made.

As for what happens moving forward, expectations are high in Wilbon’s eyes. He expects Franklin to bring more stability and even reach the heights brought by Frank Beamer. Virginia Tech was as consistent as anyone under Beamer, always finding itself in the national conversation.

“I expect him to return Tech to where Tech was during Frankie Beamer time,” Wilbon said. “I expect Franklin to get them up toward double-digit wins. It doesn’t mean I think they’re going to win a national championship.”

Beamer took over in 1987 when Virginia Tech was still an independent. A move to the Big East and eventually ACC took place, setting the program up for long-term success. A 27-year bowl streak began in 1993, 23 of which were coached by Beamer. From 2004 to 2011, the Hokies won double-digit games.

On a smaller scale, Franklin’s resume reads about the same. Penn State finally broke through in the College Football Playoff last season before losing in the semifinals to Notre Dame. Getting Virginia Tech back in those conversations is what Wilbon thinks will play out moving forward with Franklin.