James Franklin Outlines an Ambitious Vision for Future of Virginia Tech Football

James Franklin received an emotional welcome as Virginia Tech’s new head coach on Thursday, stepping into Lane Stadium to “Enter Sandman” and addressing fans and administrators while fighting back tears during his introduction.

Franklin became visibly emotional while discussing Brent Pry, the longtime colleague and friend he replaces. Pry worked under Franklin at Vanderbilt and Penn State before taking the Hokies’ job in 2022. He was dismissed earlier this month after just over three seasons.

“I always say I’m not going to get emotional, and then I get emotional,” Franklin said. “Brent Pry’s a good friend. Gosh. Brent Pry’s dad was my offensive coordinator in college. Gosh.”

Franklin credited Pry for what he built in Blacksburg, saying the program is stronger for the effort he put in and that he wanted to acknowledge that work publicly.

Franklin also outlined what he intends to bring to the Hokies from his previous stops and what he believes must evolve. He said success begins with assembling the right people throughout the program, from assistants and analysts to players.

He added that the structure and principles that shaped his teams at Vanderbilt and Penn State will also guide Virginia tech.

“There is a core system of how we do things that works, and we believe in that, and we have conviction in that,” Franklin said.

Roster-building questions quickly entered the conversation, especially regarding high school recruiting versus transfer portal reliance. Franklin said he intends for the program to be built primarily through high school players while using the portal to supplement needs.

He emphasized that player development remains central to his philosophy and said he wants the program to operate in a way that focuses on long-term growth rather than short-term transactions.

Although he does not want financial incentives to be the primary factor for recruits, Franklin said Virginia Tech must remain competitive.

“For us, we’re not going to lead with money,” he said. “I want young men to choose our program because this is where they want to be, but we need to be competitive because we’re not going to ask these young people to walk away from significant money.”

Franklin said he does not want the Hokies to become overly dependent on one-year transfers. He noted that programs relying too heavily on the portal can end up replacing dozens of seniors annually, something he hopes to avoid.

Excitement around his hiring is already high in Blacksburg. Franklin’s résumé and track record at power-conference programs have raised expectations immediately, and his message of development, stability and competitiveness resonated with the crowd gathered inside Lane Stadium.

Franklin is expected to coach Virginia Tech’s final two games of the season, including his on-field debut Saturday when the Hokies host Miami at Lane Stadium.