What’s old is recent again.
The ex-head coach of Virginia Tech, Brent Pry, is about to change into the brand new defensive coordinator for this system under its recent head coach, James Franklin, in keeping with multiple reports.
Pry had been fired by Virginia Tech after the Hokies got off to the 2025 season with a 0-3 start and was replaced by Franklin in November after the ACC football program wrapped up its coaching search.
The move would appear to be fairly peculiar, but Franklin and Pry have a history of working together prior to now.
Pry had served as co-defensive coordinator under Franklin during his time at Vanderbilt and held the DC role at Penn State.
Franklin had spoken highly of Pry when he was introduced to the media because the Virginia Tech head coach in mid-November.
“I’ve known Brent for over 30 years,” Franklin said. “… I’ve got a ton of respect for Brent and his family. I do know he poured his heart and soul into this place. I do know this place is healthier today due to Brent and the commitment that he made.”
Pry had been hired to guide the Hokies football program in 2021 and had been three games into his fourth season on the helm when Virginia Tech made the choice to maneuver on.
His buyout was around $6 million once they made the choice, though it’s subject to offset if he got one other coaching job.
As head coach, the Hokies had gone 16-24 under Pry’s leadership and he helped make them bowl appearances in two seasons.
Franklin takes over as the person in charge after being fired by Penn State after a rough stretch of games this season.
The previous Nittany Lions head coach helped rehabilitate this system within the wake of the Jerry Sandusky scandal and helped lead Penn State to the College Football Playoff semifinals in 2024.
What’s old is recent again.
The ex-head coach of Virginia Tech, Brent Pry, is about to change into the brand new defensive coordinator for this system under its recent head coach, James Franklin, in keeping with multiple reports.
Pry had been fired by Virginia Tech after the Hokies got off to the 2025 season with a 0-3 start and was replaced by Franklin in November after the ACC football program wrapped up its coaching search.
The move would appear to be fairly peculiar, but Franklin and Pry have a history of working together prior to now.
Pry had served as co-defensive coordinator under Franklin during his time at Vanderbilt and held the DC role at Penn State.
Franklin had spoken highly of Pry when he was introduced to the media because the Virginia Tech head coach in mid-November.
“I’ve known Brent for over 30 years,” Franklin said. “… I’ve got a ton of respect for Brent and his family. I do know he poured his heart and soul into this place. I do know this place is healthier today due to Brent and the commitment that he made.”
Pry had been hired to guide the Hokies football program in 2021 and had been three games into his fourth season on the helm when Virginia Tech made the choice to maneuver on.
His buyout was around $6 million once they made the choice, though it’s subject to offset if he got one other coaching job.
As head coach, the Hokies had gone 16-24 under Pry’s leadership and he helped make them bowl appearances in two seasons.
Franklin takes over as the person in charge after being fired by Penn State after a rough stretch of games this season.
The previous Nittany Lions head coach helped rehabilitate this system within the wake of the Jerry Sandusky scandal and helped lead Penn State to the College Football Playoff semifinals in 2024.
