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Reports: James Franklin Targets Brent Pry to Lead Virginia Tech’s Defense

The reported move would reunite Franklin with his former defensive coordinator, underscoring Virginia Tech’s unconventional reboot under new leadership.

Overview

  • CBS Sports and Yahoo report that Franklin is pursuing Pry for the defensive coordinator role, with no official announcement yet.
  • Pry was dismissed in September after an 0-3 start and a 16-24 record over three-plus seasons as Virginia Tech’s head coach.
  • Franklin and Pry worked together for years at Vanderbilt and Penn State, where Pry served as Franklin’s defensive coordinator.
  • Reporters note the move would be rare for a recently fired head coach to return to the same program in a lesser role and could draw mixed reactions.
  • Franklin’s early overhaul includes a top-25 2026 recruiting class, a major athletics funding boost approved by the school, and initial staffers brought from Penn State, with Pry poised to be the first coach on staff if hired.