Brent Pry’s firing from Virginia Tech has sparked a wave of support and sympathy. And it’s coming right from his former colleagues and friends. Pry’s time at the helm ended after a brutal 0-3 start to the 2025 season and a 16-24 overall record. He was hired for his defensive chops and leadership after a strong run at Penn State. But he just couldn’t turn things around. The brutal 45-26 home loss to non-Power 5 Old Dominion triggered loud boos from the crowd. And that’s when the university pulled the plug on Pry’s tenure. Virginia Tech president Tim Sands called the change “necessary” due to unacceptable on-field results.

It’s clear that Pry’s present team and many colleagues have begun to drift away in the wake of the tough start and firing. Yet, some of his old friends in coaching haven’t forgotten the man behind the headset. James Franklin, who was Pry’s boss and friend during Pry’s defensive coordinator days at Penn State, didn’t hold back his support. When asked about Pry’s firing, Franklin was pretty candid about it. “Challenging situation,” Franklin said. “You hate to see it for anybody. … Brent is resilient and he’s a darn good football coach. He’ll bounce back. … Got a lot of respect, lot of love for Brent and his family.”

Pry served as Penn State’s defensive coordinator from 2019 to 2021. From 2014 to 2021, he helped build defenses that were nationally ranked in the top 25 in total defense eight times. His Penn State units were known for disrupting quarterbacks and smothering run games. It ranked third nationally in QB hurries and among the leaders in sacks and tackles for loss over several seasons. His defenses churned out stars like Micah Parsons, who went on to be a Consensus All-American and Big Ten Linebacker of the Year. He helped the program reach multiple New Year’s Six bowl games. After a contribution like this, it’s quite natural to rally behind a person like Brent Pry.

That legacy at Penn State explains why Franklin’s loyalty runs deep. But it wasn’t Pry’s first stint with the Hokies. Pry was a grad assistant with the D-line from 1995-98, learning under Frank Beamer and Bud Foster. “Virginia Tech is getting a great coach and a wonderful fit for our football program in Brent Pry,” Beamer said in a statement released by the school. “Not only is Brent exceptionally intelligent, he also possesses a great deal of football knowledge. Growing up as the son of a coach, he’s been around the game all of his life. I’m confident that he’ll do a tremendous job as head coach of the Hokies.”

How can a review like this lead to a firing? “James Franklin says he has messaged ‘a bunch’ with former Penn State DC Brent Pry since his firing at Virginia Tech,” Tyler Donohue of Penn State writes on X. “Their wives have also communicated.” 

Support like this doesn’t come around often. And it goes way back to their time at Penn State as coaches. In 1993-94, Pry coached outside linebackers and defensive backs at East Stroudsburg. During that time, Franklin was the quarterback. And Pry’s dad, Jim, ran the offense. Moreover, both of them are from Pennsylvania. But his firing wasn’t about a lack of character or coaching pedigree. Virginia Tech had been sliding for years, stuck with a thin budget and short staff while ACC rivals pulled ahead.

AD Whit Babcock even questioned if the school really cared about winning. With resources that low, not even a coach like Pry could work miracles.

The Hokies are trying to up their finances

Virginia Tech is finally making a big move to catch up in the ACC with a massive budget proposal. The school’s Board of Visitors is set to consider a nearly $229 million increase in funding for Hokie athletics over the next four years. It starts from the 2026 fiscal year. The school plans to pump over $10 million a year into athletics, plus about $10 million in ‘bridge funding’ and $21 million from student fees.

The problem? They’ve been playing catch-up. They are running a race with a lead foot tied down. “For us, it’s really simple,” Babcock said. “We need to get better [in football] because the better you do, the more money you get from the ACC. So, the recipe is still the same. Be really good at football. Be good at some of your other sports. Don’t operate under scandal and have very good academics. But yes, there’s a sense of urgency in the near-term.”

With the ACC now funneling more cash to its top programs, Virginia Tech could get left behind for good unless it steps up on the field and with its budget. The Hokies dominated under Frank Beamer with seven titles from ’95 to 2010, but now they’re staring at a fifth losing season in six years. Therefore, all the focus on the Hokies’ spending will be on Pry’s replacement.