On Wednesday morning, Virginia Tech formally announced James Franklin as the new leader of its football program. Just over a month after being dismissed from Penn State, Franklin stepped onto the stage at Cassell Coliseum for his official introduction as the Hokies’ next head coach.
The transition marks a significant turning point for Virginia Tech, which has spent the past several years trying to regain stability following Justin Fuente’s departure. In late 2021, the Hokies turned to Brent Pry to guide the program forward. Pry had long been associated with James Franklin, serving as Franklin’s defensive coordinator at Penn State before accepting the opportunity to take charge in Blacksburg. His mission was clear: rebuild the identity of the team and restore the culture that many felt had faded in the final seasons of the Fuente era.
Pry’s time with the Hokies, however, was marked by inconsistency. There were flashes that hinted at progress, but the overall results fell short of expectations. Despite dedicating himself fully to the role and working tirelessly to turn things around, Pry was unable to elevate the program to where he or the administration hoped it would be. Ultimately, the lack of sustained improvement led to his dismissal in September. It was a difficult end for a coach widely regarded as hard-working, genuine, and deeply invested in his players.
When Franklin stepped behind the microphone during his introductory press conference, it didn’t take long for emotions to surface. The new head coach spoke candidly about Pry, offering insight into their long relationship and the respect he holds for his former assistant. As Franklin explained, Pry was far more than a colleague—he was someone Franklin had trusted for decades, someone he leaned on even as he weighed the opportunity to come to Virginia Tech.
“Brent Pry is a good friend,” Franklin said, pausing at times as he collected himself. He went on to describe the roots of their connection. “Brent’s dad was my offensive coordinator in college. I’ve known Brent for over 30 years. Brent and his family were with me at Vanderbilt during all three years I was there, and then for our first seven seasons at Penn State. I have tremendous respect for Brent and his family, and I know he poured his heart and soul into this place.”
Franklin’s remarks highlighted how difficult it can be to follow someone you care about—especially when that person exited under challenging circumstances. His emotional reaction underscored not only the depth of their bond, but also his awareness that he’s stepping into a role his friend once held with great passion.
Pry, throughout his brief tenure, established himself as a figure many people genuinely appreciated. His personality, openness, and dedication made him well-liked among players, staff, and fans alike. Even though the results on the field didn’t meet the program’s needs, his impact on the people around him remained clear. Franklin’s comments served as a reminder that coaching transitions aren’t only about wins and losses—they’re also about relationships, loyalty, and the human side of the sport.
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