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Virginia Tech Hokies Hire Brent Pry as Defensive Coordinator

· 2026-06-28

Virginia Tech Hokies Hire Brent Pry as Defensive Coordinator

Virginia Tech Hokies have hired Brent Pry as their new defensive coordinator, a move that caught James Franklin off guard.

What happened?

Brent Pry's decision to return to Virginia Tech as defensive coordinator was a huge personal sacrifice to put his daughters first.

He chose to stay in Blacksburg so his family wouldn't be separated, with his daughters Madeline and Catherine still in school.

Why it matters for Virginia Tech Hokies

Pry's return delivers a strategic advantage, as he already knows every player on the team, allowing the new coaching staff to bypass the usual learning curve.

James Franklin can now make informed decisions about which players to keep and who to let go, thanks to Pry's insider knowledge.

The Virginia Tech Hokies are set to play their next game against the VMI Keydets on 2026-09-05.

What comes next?

With Pry on board, the Hokies can hit the ground running, and his love for Virginia Tech will be a significant factor in the team's success.

Brent Pry and James Franklin's 30-year bond made their conversation about the defensive coordinator position easier, despite the initial surprise.

Pry's experience running defenses for Franklin at Vanderbilt and Penn State will be invaluable to the Hokies.

The team's roster will benefit from Pry's knowledge, and his decision to put his family first will have a positive impact on the team's dynamics.

And with the new coaching staff in place, the Virginia Tech Hokies are ready to take on the upcoming season.

But the challenge of retaining talent in the transfer portal will still be a significant test for the team.

So the Hokies will rely on Pry's expertise to make the right decisions and build a strong team.

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