When Virginia Tech hired James Franklin as their next football coach, it signaled a new era in Blacksburg. Fired from Penn State in October, he was hired by the Virginia Tech search committee in November to replace his former defensive coordinator, Brent Pry.
Five months after being hired, Franklin just completed his first spring practices and spring game at Virginia Tech. During the spring practices, it was announced that Virginia Tech President Tim Sands was retiring this year. Then on Thursday, it was announced that athletic director Whit Babcock is also retiring on June 30. Sitting Hokies coaches reacted to Babcock's retirement on social media.
— James Franklin (@coachjfranklin) April 23, 2026
A message from Coach Young on Whit's retirement: pic.twitter.com/354LTS8Oib
— Virginia Tech Men's Basketball (@HokiesMBB) April 23, 2026
A message from Coach Duffy on Whit's retirement 🦃 pic.twitter.com/zpO5REcixM
— Virginia Tech Women's Basketball (@HokiesWBB) April 23, 2026
Thank you for everything, Whit 🦃🧡#Hokies pic.twitter.com/aa0CQ0F1TJ
— Virginia Tech Softball (@HokiesSoftball) April 23, 2026
It's safe to say that this is a new era coming up in Blacksburg on a lot of levels, including the leadership. It'll be interesting to see who is hired as the next athletic director and if there are any ties to anyone. It makes you wonder, did Franklin know back in November when he was hired that this was coming?
More Virginia Tech Hokies News
- Winners of three of their last four, the Hokies baseball team will host North Carolina State this weekend in Blacksburg for a three-game ACC series. At 20-19 overall and 9-12 in the ACC, this is a big series for Virginia Tech in terms of seeding for the ACC Tournament, and keep the momentum going after a mid-week win over VCU, 8-6. First pitch on Friday night is 6 p.m.
- The Hokies softball team is heading in the wrong direction when it comes to finishing the regular season strong ahead of the ACC and NCAA Tournaments. They dropped two out of three over the weekend at home to Georgia Tech. If that wasn't bad enough, they dropped a 10-9 mid-week game to Liberty. Another bad loss. Their chances of hosting a Regional in the NCAA Tournament are gone. This weekend, they'll host North Carolina in their final series of the season at Tech Softball Park.
- Day 1 of the NFL Draft is in the books, and there were Virginia Tech players selected and there likely won't be on Day 2 on Friday. If there are any players selected, it'll be on Saturday and Day 3 before undrafted free agent deals are reached later Saturday night.
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