Virginia Tech's James Franklin Reflects On Familiarity And Adjustment

Franklin discussed the similarities and differences in his first spring with the Hokies compared to his previous coaching stops.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:38am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football field and players, rendered in a cubist style using sharp, overlapping planes of burgundy, orange, and grey tones to convey the complex transition process for a new college football coach.A cubist interpretation of the adjustments and familiarity Virginia Tech's new head coach James Franklin is navigating in his first spring with the Hokies.Blacksburg Today

In his first spring as Virginia Tech's head coach, James Franklin has found a degree of familiarity with the program due to defensive coordinator Brent Pry's previous work with Franklin at Vanderbilt and Penn State. However, Franklin is still adjusting to aspects like the morning practice schedule and warm weather. He's focused on finding the right balance between installing a lot of new schemes versus honing in on the details. Franklin is also getting acquainted with the Virginia Tech roster and identifying key returning players. Overall, he's pleased with the effort so far, though there are still areas that need cleaning up as the Hokies prepare for their spring game and the upcoming season.

Why it matters

Franklin's transition to Virginia Tech is an important one, as he looks to build on the program's recent success and put his own stamp on the team. His ability to leverage existing relationships and familiarity, while also adapting to the new environment, will be crucial in helping the Hokies take the next step in the ACC.

The details

Franklin noted that defensive coordinator Brent Pry's prior experience working with him at Vanderbilt and Penn State has helped provide a level of familiarity in how practices and meetings are conducted. However, Franklin is still adjusting to aspects like the morning practice schedule and warm weather, which won't be the case come fall. He's trying to find the right balance between installing a lot of new schemes versus honing in on the details. Franklin has also been getting acquainted with the Virginia Tech roster, identifying key returning players like Jeffrey Overton Jr., Ayden Greene, Marcellous Hawkins, Kemari Copeland, Takye Heath, and A.J. Brand. Overall, Franklin has been pleased with the effort, though he acknowledged there are still areas that need cleaning up as the team prepares for the spring game and upcoming season.

  • Virginia Tech begins its season on Saturday, September 5, against VMI.
  • The Hokies' annual spring game will take place on Saturday, April 18, at 3 p.m. ET.

The players

James Franklin

The new head coach of the Virginia Tech Hokies football team, who previously served as the head coach at Vanderbilt and Penn State.

Brent Pry

The defensive coordinator for the Virginia Tech Hokies, who previously held the same role under Franklin at Vanderbilt and Penn State.

Jeffrey Overton Jr.

A key returning player for the Virginia Tech Hokies.

Ayden Greene

A key returning player for the Virginia Tech Hokies.

Marcellous Hawkins

A key returning player for the Virginia Tech Hokies.

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What they’re saying

“Here's familiarity because Brent brought a lot of the model with him. So, I think that's been helpful.”

— James Franklin, Head Coach, Virginia Tech Hokies

“I think the challenge for most first-year situations like this is, do you put a lot in? Do you try to get everything in, so then you have recall for fall camp? Or do you focus down and try to get really good at the details? I think that's the balance for coaches all the time. How do you want to handle that?”

— James Franklin, Head Coach, Virginia Tech Hokies

“He's so consistent in his approach, in his mentality and his physicality.”

— James Franklin, Head Coach, Virginia Tech Hokies

“Probably in a while. At Vanderbilt, although I had an OC and didn't call a play, I never called a play at Vanderbilt and never called a play during our time at Penn State, but it was my offense. ... It's always that fine line of stuff you discuss during the hiring process, what you want it to look like. But you've also hired guys with really good reputations, really good resumes. You can push but only so much. I know ultimately you're the head coach, but coming here and hiring Ty, me and Ty had a ton of conversations about what we wanted it to look like, the things that we thought were going to be critical pieces philosophically, and then look, I'm going to be heavily involved, and are you comfortable with that? He's like, yeah, I want that. Ty's been phenomenal.”

— James Franklin, Head Coach, Virginia Tech Hokies

What’s next

The Hokies will hold their annual spring game on Saturday, April 18, at 3 p.m. ET, giving Franklin and his staff a chance to evaluate the team's progress before the start of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

James Franklin's transition to Virginia Tech has been aided by the familiarity he shares with defensive coordinator Brent Pry, but the new head coach is still working to find the right balance between installing new schemes and honing in on the details. Franklin's hands-on approach with the offense is also a notable shift from his previous stops, as he looks to put his stamp on the Hokies program.