Door opens for James Franklin to raid Penn State program and load up at Virginia Tech

Brian Bishop-Imagn ImagesAfter Penn State fired James Franklin in October, little did anyone know what a sideshow their coaching search would turn into. Long after Virginia Tech hired Franklin, Penn State athletic director Pat Kraft was still looking for his next head coach. Two days after signing day, he hired Iowa State coach Matt Campbell in State College.

The hiring means that interim coach Terry Smith won't get the job, and all of a sudden, it opens a path for Smith to follow Franklin to Blacksburg. If that happens, what an addition it would be for Franklin and the program. However, late Friday night, Audrey Snyder reported that Campbell is expected to retain Smith on his staff.

Penn…