James Franklin Rebuilds Virginia Tech With Penn State Connections

Change is coming quickly to Blacksburg. After a disappointing 3-9 season and several years of middling results in the ACC, Virginia Tech has turned over its football program to James Franklin, signaling a bold new era. Franklin’s approach is clear: rebuild the Hokies by bringing in trusted coaches and replicating the systems that worked during his tenure at Penn State.

Franklin’s first major move came on the defensive side of the ball, reuniting with Brent Pry, the former Virginia Tech head coach who was let go earlier this year. Pry previously served under Franklin at Penn State and is widely respected for running some of the Big Ten’s top defenses. CBS Sports confirmed Pry’s return as Virginia Tech’s defensive coordinator.

On offense, Franklin is again looking to Penn State for continuity. According to Pete Thamel, the Hokies are expected to hire Ty Howle, Penn State’s co-offensive coordinator and tight ends coach, as their new offensive coordinator, with play-calling responsibilities. This pairing of Pry and Howle ensures Franklin has immediate familiarity and cohesion on both sides of the ball.

Franklin’s vision extends beyond just coaching staff. With Virginia Tech committing more than $200 million to athletics and granting him wide-ranging authority, he is signaling that this rebuild is intended to restore sustained excellence, not a temporary fix. Early recruiting efforts already reflect this strategy.

1. Reuniting Trusted Lieutenants

Bringing Brent Pry back to Lane Stadium represents a strategic reunion for Franklin. Pry, familiar with Franklin’s defensive schemes, offers continuity and credibility to a program desperate for stability. His track record at Penn State made him a natural choice to lead a defense that needs to be aggressive and reliable. Similarly, Ty Howle’s expected arrival as offensive coordinator strengthens Franklin’s plan to replicate the systems that succeeded at Penn State. Howle’s experience with offensive play-calling and development of tight ends positions the Hokies to implement a balanced and modern offensive attack. By importing staff he trusts, Franklin ensures the implementation of consistent coaching philosophies across the team. Players benefit from clear expectations, and the transition to new schemes is smoother when the staff has an established working relationship. The Franklin-Pry-Howle combination also sends a message to recruits and fans: Virginia Tech is serious about competing in the ACC and is not taking a gradual approach to rebuilding. This is a staff aligned on vision, style, and execution.

2. Recruiting and Program Investment

Recruiting under Franklin has already started to reflect his Penn State ties. The Hokies flipped 2026 interior offensive lineman Benjamin Eziuka and four-star wide receiver FatRat Brown from Franklin’s former recruiting footprint, while also landing defensive lineman Garrett Witherington from Kentucky. These early victories demonstrate Franklin’s ability to leverage relationships and sell the vision of a rejuvenated program. High-profile recruits understand the credibility of coaches like Pry and Howle, making Virginia Tech a more attractive destination despite recent struggles. Beyond recruiting, the program’s investment in athletics—more than $200 million—underscores the administration’s commitment to long-term success. Franklin is empowered to build the staff, facilities, and culture necessary for sustained competitiveness. The combination of strategic hires, early recruiting wins, and institutional support reflects a blueprint for rapid improvement, emphasizing both immediate performance and future stability.

3. A Fast-Track Rebuild

Franklin’s approach to rebuilding Virginia Tech is aggressive and intentional. Rather than easing into the role, he is importing a proven operation with coaches he trusts, aiming to accelerate the team’s return to ACC prominence. By integrating staff familiar with his system and leveraging his recruiting network, Franklin is creating a program that aligns with his vision of “unmatched excellence.” Players are expected to buy into a culture of toughness, discipline, and consistency from day one. The early moves suggest a focus on high-level execution in all areas: defense led by Pry, offense under Howle, and recruiting designed to bring in top talent capable of immediate impact. Franklin is attempting to transform a patient rebuilding project into a program that competes at a high level quickly. If Franklin’s vision succeeds, Virginia Tech will not only regain relevance in the ACC but could also reestablish Lane Stadium as a destination for elite talent and a national contender. The pace and decisiveness of these moves suggest the Hokies’ transformation will be both swift and profound.