James Franklin Hires 16-24 Brent Pry as Virginia Tech Coordinator After 2025 Firing
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 16
James Franklin Hires 16-24 Brent Pry as Virginia Tech Coordinator After 2025 Firing
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 16
Summary
Brent Pry is back at Virginia Tech as defensive coordinator less than a year after the Hokies fired him as head coach three games into the 2025 season.
Franklin said their 30-year relationship made the unusual reunion possible, with Pry telling him that if he took the Virginia Tech job, he should hire him.
The move carries unusual risk because Pry's 16-24 head-coaching record and abrupt exit mean every defensive problem will be judged against his failed tenure in Blacksburg.
Players gave Pry a standing ovation when Franklin introduced him, and defensive lineman Kemari Copeland said Pry's familiarity with the roster and culture could help immediately.
Franklin arrives with nearly $100 million in new athletic donations and broad goodwill, but Pry's return could become the defining test of whether that reset works.