Things have a way of coming full circle.
Brent Pry, the former head coach of Virginia Tech, is set to take on the role of defensive coordinator under new head coach James Franklin. This transition comes after Pry was let go by Virginia Tech when the team started the 2025 season with three losses. Franklin stepped into the head coaching position in November after the program concluded its coaching search.
While this might seem a bit unusual at first glance, Franklin and Pry have a shared history. At both Vanderbilt and Penn State, Pry worked as a co-defensive coordinator alongside Franklin.
When Franklin was introduced as the head coach of Virginia Tech, he expressed high regard for Pry. “I’ve known Brent for over 30 years,” Franklin mentioned. “I have tremendous respect for Brent and his family. I know he poured his heart and soul into this place. I know this place is better today because of Brent and his efforts.”
Pry, who began his tenure with the Hokies in 2021, faced the school’s decision to part ways with him just three games into his fourth season. At that time, his buyout value was around $6 million, which could change if he takes another coaching job.
During his time as head coach, Pry’s record stood at 16 wins and 24 losses, though he did guide the team to bowl games in both of his seasons.
Meanwhile, Franklin, who comes with a complicated past, was recently let go from Penn State after a challenging stretch of matches. He had previously helped rebuild the program after the Jerry Sandusky scandal and led the Nittany Lions to the 2024 College Football Playoff semifinals.
