Recent Comments
was it? if so I stand corrected
Absolutely LOVE the passion! I always talk about "running through a brick wall" for my favorite coaches.......I think Franklin would run through the wall with me. Let's go Hokies!
I'm excited for this weekend!! Bring on the recruits!
I think that was Wiles not Stiney
Initial thoughts - Franklin is an excellent speaker. He's very thorough with his thoughts but very clear with his message, saying a hell of a lot in a relatively short amount of time. He comes across as someone who knows exactly what he wants and where he is going, and makes you feel very involved in being an integral part of that process. I can absolutely see why he has personally kicked our ass in recruiting this whole region, and I'm very happy that energy will now be used for good.
Secondly, Our football program from a pure operational standpoint is about to go from the outhouse to the penthouse. Say goodbye to Merryman as you know it, because he wants every aspect of the VT program to look top of the line modern to sell us as a serious player in the national scene.
Reading between the lines, he has very close family ties with Brent Pry and its almost inevitable that he will end up on staff here, but only if Pry wants it. I got a feeling we are probably looking at Ricky Rahne joining as well, seems that the visit to ODU might have been more than just visiting an old friend.
It sounds like Bud Foster was as relentless at getting Franklin in house as he was in dominating every offense he faced as a DC. Hearing they talked every night, I wouldn't be surprised if he's involved as an advisor in some way on staff going forward, if only to help Franklin understand the ins and outs of Blacksburg and VT at the start.
Also, seeing him with the #25 jersey with Franklin on the back was.... weird....
Some football knowledge in this photo. #Hokies pic.twitter.com/QGp0oldLp7— Andy Bitter (@AndyBitterVT) November 19, 2025
Conversely: we are so fucking back.
Rahne as OC would be such a hilarious outcome. They dominate us on the field, leading to Pry's firing. Then we hire Franklin and big dog their HC to be our OC lol
Same! The man demands respect in the room. You love to see it
I GOTTA BE ME!
|
7 months 3 weeks
# | "It's a Marinade": James Franklin, James Franklin, James Franklin!!! Join The Key Player's Club to read comments posted in exclusive content and its members only forum.
He said all the right things, but we've heard that before. We'll see how things shape up over the next few months.
I'm excited though.
Some Nick Saban vibes there with his sentiment about VT...
By that I mean he was very focused on the idea of full alignment, from the University, to administration, to the football program and so on. This was one of his main pursuits - that full alignment MUST exist; and where there are gaps in the system, there must be a plan in place to fill those.
I am paraphrasing, of course. But this talking point/sentiment was the most encouraging to me. Looks like the powers that be are working very hard to be a big boy football program.
So turkey?
I still have nightmares of the recruit that recorded him whining and crying. hard pass from me.
Franklin gets it.
Be prepared for major changes, at least to what we're accustomed to
It's going to rub some people the wrong way, I'm sure. But I actually loved him making everyone acknowledge and answer his greeting to them with each question.
Edit: For clarity.
"Hey Andy, how are you?" lmao
That press conference just now...wow. Talk about a confident and well-spoken leader. I can see why this guy recruits lights out and his players and staff love him.
This is going to be a ton of fun. Still almost feels surreal.
It's starting to feel real now
It was not announced. Nothing to that level of detail
Wasn't Caleb a transfer from Wake that had the benefit of wide receiver coaching before he came here?
"Virginia Tech needs to look, feel, smell, and operate like big time (football).... When recruits walk into the facilities they need to feel like a big time football program. What stands out isn't what is there, but what is missing"
Oh yeah, if you're a contractor in Blacksburg, you're about to be very busy.
I am.
But TBF, I was also ready to do the same for Fuente and Pry (after the presser).
There is an interesting dynamic here with Pry being his immediate predecessor and likely can vouch for some of his staff to Franklin. I don't know whether any current coaches stay, but I agree Mines and Brooks are the most likely to be given an offer to stay in their position or similar. Of the defensive staff, Price has been the best position coach and has also served as the premier "VT-alumnus coach." There is value to having some continuity in that regard. Other current coaches that might be retained because they are talented are Furgeson, Moore, amd Davis. With the size of coaching staffs, assistant position coaches are not as critical and alums can add value by enhancing relationships with player alums and fans. Some current coaches that have a little extra value as VT alumni are Prioleau, Adibi, JGW, and Phillips.
Knowles is an interesting concept for DC. He was coveted by Pry last year but ultimately VT couldn't match his price. He has a 3-year contract and a new PSU coach may want to keep him as the DC. If he ends up available, it is hard to determine what his market will be like or even if Franklin would be interested. I think the likelihood of Knowles being Vt's next DC is low.
Is Poindexter too UVA-proud to join VT? I doubt it. I think he follows Franklin and at a minimum coaching safeties and is an Associate/Assistant HC. And I am guessing he gets his chance to be the primary DC to scheme and call plays. Franklin won't have the pressure of the PSU administration and fanbase to make a splash DC hire, so it seems ripe for him to give his longterm assistant the reins of his defense.
For OC, Rahne or Moorhead just makes a lot of sense. With a fully supportive NIL, they can reestablish their offensive schemes at a high level, which would lead to better coaching opportunities than if they stay at their current universities. My guess is Rahne is the next OC.
Yeah with the rumors that Franklin wants to completely overhaul the football facilities here, I wouldn't be surprised if VTGM is going to be busy with facilities approvals over the next 12 months
I wonder if Ferguson would be retained.
I know the guys seemed to get a little tired from time to time this year, but they have looked light years better than they have in the last decade almost. It does take time to re-establish a S&C program, especially after the gross neglect of it since Fuente arrived, and to see its full effects. I, for one, thought our team looked much bigger, more physical, and a little faster than in years past.