James Franklin is beginning to round out his Virginia Tech coaching staff, and he is continuing to return to his Penn State roots to get it done.
First came the bizarre announcement that Franklin was targeting Brent Pry to be his defensive coordinator. That's right, the same Brent Pry that was fired after a Week 3 loss to Old Dominion in Blacksburg, and the guy he is replacing.
On Tuesday morning, it was reported by Pete Thamel of ESPN that Franklin was hiring Ty Howle as his offensive coordinator, who was on Franklin's staff at Penn State. He comes with the reputation of being a great recruiter and developer of tight ends. He was the co-offensive coordinator this year in State College.
Tuesday night, Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reported that Penn State quarterbacks coach Danny O'Brien is leaving for Virginia Tech for the same role, rejoining Franklin.
James Franklin continues to add assistant coaches from Penn State at Virginia Tech
Franklin continues to be getting the Penn State band back together, this time in Blacksburg. O'Brien has spent the last five seasons on Franklin's staff at Penn State and developed Drew Allar. In 2024, he threw for over 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns in leading the Nittany Lions to the semifinals of the College Football Playoff. He had his 2025 season cut short with an injury.
After putting together one of the best recruiting classes that Virginia Tech has had in some time, Franklin is poaching former assistants at Penn State to Blacksburg. This is turning into a big overhaul of the coaching staff, and Franklin is putting together some familiar names. Now the question will be next month: Does Franklin look to add some former Penn State players if they hit the portal when it opens on Jan. 2?