New Virginia Tech football head coach James Franklin is bringing back a familiar face to his staff. The Hokies are bringing back fired head coach Brent Pry to be Franklin's defensive coordinator, per CBS Sports.
Pry was fired earlier this season in Blacksburg after a disastrous start, that included a loss to Old Dominion. He was replaced by Franklin, who was fired this season at Penn State.
Pry previously worked at Penn State under Franklin, as his defensive coordinator. This is a reunion for the two coaches, who will try to bring the Hokies back to the top of the ACC.
Virginia Tech football is rebuilding under James Franklin
Franklin has already made his mark at Virginia Tech. He brought in a solid recruiting class, prying away several of the commits he had at Penn State.
Virginia Tech is trying to reach the top of the ACC once again. The Hokies have struggled in recent years, but especially since the departure of legendary head coach Frank Beamer. Virginia Tech invested more than $200 million this season into the athletics programs, and that investment is paying off already with the hiring of Franklin.
Franklin says he wants to build a championship culture in Blacksburg.
“I’m honored and humbled to join the Hokie family,” Franklin said in a statement released by the school. “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.”
The Hokies finished the 2025 season with a 3-9 record. Virginia Tech lost four games in a row to end the campaign.
