In a surprising twist in college football, former Virginia Tech coach Brent Pry is coming back to the Hokies. He’ll serve as defensive coordinator under new head coach James Franklin.
This move stands out, especially since Pry was let go from the head coaching job just earlier this season. It’s not something you see every day, and honestly, it’s got a lot of people talking.
The Return of Brent Pry
Pry was fired by Virginia Tech in September after the team started 0-3. Now, he’s making a comeback as defensive coordinator.
His time as head coach saw a 16-24 record, and the team made bowl appearances the last two years. Even after being dismissed, it’s clear Pry’s influence on the Hokies hasn’t faded.
James Franklin’s Influence
The choice to bring Pry back is largely thanks to James Franklin. Franklin, who lost his job at Penn State in October, was hired by Virginia Tech on November 17.
This reunion means a lot, considering Franklin and Pry go way back. Franklin even got choked up at his first press conference, which says plenty about how much he values Pry and his family.
A Look Back at Pry’s Career
Before Virginia Tech, Pry had a solid run working with Franklin. He was Franklin’s defensive coordinator at Penn State.
He also shared co-defensive coordinator duties with Franklin at Vanderbilt from 2011 to 2013. Pry actually started his coaching career as a grad assistant at Virginia Tech under Frank Beamer—kind of a full-circle moment, isn’t it?
The Financial Aspect
When Pry was let go, Virginia Tech owed him around $6 million. That payout could be reduced now that he’s back on staff.
It’s a bit of a financial tangle, sure, but it shows just how much both sides are invested in making this work.
The Emotional Connection
Franklin’s reaction to Pry’s return is pretty personal. Their connection goes back more than 30 years.
Pry’s father, Jim, coached Franklin in college at East Stroudsburg. That kind of bond doesn’t just fade, and it clearly played into Franklin’s decision here.
Impact on Virginia Tech’s Future
Bringing Pry back as defensive coordinator could really shake things up for Virginia Tech. He’s got loads of experience and understands the team inside and out.
It’s a move that should help the Hokies tighten up their defense and bring some much-needed stability. You get the sense the team could use that right now.
What This Means for the Hokies
For Virginia Tech, this is more than just a staff change—it’s a fresh start. Franklin’s leadership paired with Pry’s defensive mindset could be just what the Hokies need.
Fans have reason to hope. Maybe this is the spark that helps the team find its footing and chase bigger wins in the seasons ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Brent Pry is back at Virginia Tech, stepping in as defensive coordinator under new head coach James Franklin.
- Pry used to be the Hokies’ head coach. His record there was 16-24, and he did take them to a couple of bowl games.
- Franklin and Pry? They’ve got a pretty deep history, both personally and professionally.
- When Virginia Tech let Pry go, they owed him about $6 million. That number might change now that he’s got this new gig.
- People are hoping Pry’s return will steady the ship and sharpen up the Hokies’ defense.
If you want the full scoop, check out the article on ESPN.
With Franklin and Pry teaming up, it’s hard not to wonder what’s next for Virginia Tech. The Hokies could be in for some real changes, or maybe just a little spark they’ve been missing. Guess we’ll see how it plays out.
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