The Hokies would happily accept Penn State’s problem of winning 10 games a year. But despite the wreckage Franklin is walking into, Frank Beamer, the architect of Virginia Tech’s golden era, has gone on record with a message of confidence.

“Just be who you are, and you know that, and do things the right way, which he does.” Frank Beamer said on the November 21st episode of the WSET ABC show. “Be who you are. I mean, right away, players, kids know who’s real and who’s not. And he’s a real guy. Those are important things in today’s climate is to do it right and be who you are, and hope you can win enough.”

At Virginia Tech, there’s only one blueprint anyone trusts, and it’s the one Frank Beamer built. He is the only coach in VT history to have won seven conference titles and compiled a 238-121-2 record. So, when Beamer speaks, the fan base listens.

Franklin won’t officially take charge until next season, but the overhaul has already begun. Good news for VT is, Penn State’s longtime general manager of personnel and recruiting, Andy Frank, and chief of staff, Kevin Threlkel, are expected to follow him to Blacksburg. Franklin will interview the remaining PSU and VT assistants to determine who fits his rebuild. His recruiting ties in Virginia are already deep, yet he has hinted at a national approach when necessary.

But the transition isn’t going to be smooth. Franklin knows exactly what kind of fight he just signed up for. At Penn State, he spent years pushing and sometimes clashing to secure facilities upgrades, recruiting investment, and modern infrastructure. He won most of those battles and ultimately dragged the program into the current era. Virginia Tech doesn’t have the same financial muscle or administrative familiarity with operating like a playoff contender.

 “The second he steps foot in this building, he’s going to have a laundry list,” one team source said. “Just how behind we are in terms of resources, infrastructure, we have to get a building. He’s not going to be happy with what he sees.”

And there are already quiet questions inside the building about whether Franklin will run into the same resource roadblocks that burned through the last decade of coaches.

Despite Painful Exit for Pry, Beamer Signals Full Support for Franklin

James Franklin arrived as Brent Pry’s replacement after Virginia Tech cut Pry’s three-year tenure short this season following a 0-3 start. Franklin and Pry were close, with the duo working together for 11 years. So, it was a painful affair for Franklin, who addressed Pry in his unveiling speech. Frank Beamer was also upset about Pry’s firing, but at the same time, he believes Franklin will be a good fit for the Hokies.

“I’ve got to say we thought a lot of Brent Pry. It’s just a tough business. I’ve known him for a while, and I really think he’s a good coach, good recruiter. I think he’s going to fit in great here at Virginia Tech.” Frank Beamer said on the show. “He understands what Virginia Tech, I mean, the people here, it’s a caring place. It’s a ‘I’ve got your back’ kind of place. We’ll take care of you, kind of place. And I think he’s going to fit into all those things very well.”

With Beamer’s words of affirmation, James Franklin can feel relieved, knowing he has the backing of a Hokies legend.