When Virginia Tech hired James Franklin as its next football coach, it was a hire that few thought was possible. After he was fired at Penn State in October, he agreed to be the Hokies' next head coach and put in charge of quickly turning around a program that is begging for it.
Since Virginia Tech lost the season finale on Thanksgiving Weekend to Virginia, 27-7, in Charlottesville under interim coach Philip Montgomery, there has been a lot of change in Blacksburg under Franklin. There was roster turnover with the Transfer Portal, as well as with a very good recruiting class coming in.
As far as his coaching staff goes, he had some former assistants follow him from Penn State to Virginia Tech. He is also bringing back Brent Pry as his defensive coordinator. That's right, the same Brent Pry that was fired in Week 3 after a loss to Old Dominion at home is back to run the defense under Franklin again. Also retained was wide receivers coach Fontel Mines, who was one coach that needed to be retained.
Fontel Mines has blunt statement on Virginia Tech coach James Franklin
Mines has been valuable at Virginia Tech not only as a position coach, but also as a recruiter. He thrived under Pry in that role. Mines has been around the block, and he had a quote about Franklin that was rather blunt, but a good omen going forward.
"If you can't learn from that guy, shame on you,'' said Mines.
There is no doubt that Franklin is someone who players can learn a lot from. Even coaches. His success at Vanderbilt and Penn State speaks for itself. Getting over the hump in the big game is something that has been a thorn in his side, and Virginia Tech fans are hoping he can get over the hump of those big games in Blacksburg. That comment should also help with the beginning of the recruiting period.