Virginia Tech hiring Brent Pry as next defensive coordinator

Virginia Tech is hiring Brent Pry as its next defensive coordinator, sources tell On3. The former Hokies head coach was previously James Franklin’s defensive coordinator at Penn State.

Franklin and Pry are now reuniting in Blacksburg. Pry was fired by Virginia Tech in September, after a 0-3 start and a 16-24 record with the Hokies through four seasons. But during the Virginia Tech hiring process, Pry pushed for the Hokies to hire Franklin.

Pry was a 2021 Broyles Award nominee for the top assistant coach in the country as the Nittany Lions ranked fourth nationally in red-zone defense (66.7%), seventh in scoring defense (16.8 points per game), eighth in defensive pass efficiency (111.98), and held their opponents to 4.7 yards per play.

“Brent’s Dad was my offensive coordinator in college,” Franklin said at his Virginia Tech introductory press conference. “I’ve known Brent for over 30 years. Brent’s first year coaching was my senior year… Brent and his family were with me at Vanderbilt, all three years. And then I think of our first seven years at Penn State.

“So, I’ve got a ton of 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 the commitment he made. So, I just want to show the respect to him. I know coaches pour their hearts and souls into this job. I just want to make sure I gave Brent the respect him and his family deserve.”

Brent Pry has played an instrumental role in coaching top-10 defenses at Virginia Tech, Penn State, Vanderbilt, Georgia Southern and Western Carolina.

Franklin was fired in October after posting a 104–45 record in 11 seasons in Happy Valley. Since arriving at Virginia Tech, he’s flipped most of his Penn State recruits and now has a top 25 class in the 2026 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.