With Brent Pry out after a rocky start to the season, Virginia Tech is facing a critical coaching search. The choice of letting go of Pry seemed unavoidable given the team’s 0–3 start and the HC’s 16–24 four-year record. What is Virginia Tech looking for in its new head coach? Well, we could have gotten answers from AD Whit Babcock, but it turns out he won’t be able to answer anymore.

Virginia Tech’s coaching search officially began just after Pry was fired. In a quick move, Whit Babcock and the university assembled an eight-person search committee that included prominent board members, past players, and Hokie alumni. Bruce Arians, Bud Foster, and Eddie Royal are among the group’s members who bring their credibility and expertise. The media has questions about the new head coach. They were hoping to get some answers from Babcock this week, but that will be on hold.

Hokies’ insider Andy Bitter posted on X that the AD won’t be taking questions from the media about the coaching search this week. “So that Whit Babcock interview with local media that was supposed to happen this week about the coaching search, BOV funding, and other topics? It’s off,” he wrote in his post. The reason? Well, because they have asked not to give any information. 

Bitter further wrote, “We’re told Babcock and the search committee members have signed NDAs and will no longer comment on the process. #Hokies.”

Following the recent disclosure of the program’s massive $229 million budget, Virginia Tech is keeping a close eye on its hunt for a new head coach while keeping things under wraps. The school obviously doesn’t want rumors or leaks to impact candidates, fans, or the media, given the large amount at stake.

President Tim Sands said the committee “represents the spirit and strength of Virginia Tech athletics and Hokie Nation at the highest level.” He also expressed confidence that they will select a leader who will lead with “passion and integrity.” The timing could not be more crucial, after Virginia Tech’s Board of Visitors approved a huge $229 million athletics investment plan for the next four years. It puts the Hokies close to the top of the ACC and provides the next coach with “a wonderful opportunity…with the increased funding and the amazing fan base,” according to Babcock, who referred to the whole situation as being a “game-changer.”

He stressed the budget’s strategic value, stating that it helps bridge gaps with other institutions and provides access to staff and candidates that the program didn’t previously have. As for the actual search, Babcock has kept the things under wraps with a hopeful attitude. He stressed that the process will be extensive and thorough, saying, “The search committee work will begin next week in full force, and the naming of the head coach will occur when it occurs.”

The AD made it clear that Virginia Tech is looking for a rapid and strategic hiring that blends tradition and the resources to compete nationally, even though fans may not get the answer right away.

Could Franklin be the Hokies’ ticket back to big-time college football?

After a shocking 3-game losing streak against Oregon, UCLA, and Northwestern, Penn State fired James Franklin, making him one of the most popular names on the coaching carousel. Despite his flaws, Franklin could be a perfect match for Virginia Tech because of his recruiting skills, especially in Virginia.

Former Hokies coach Brent Pry once assisted him in establishing the Commonwealth as a reliable talent pipeline during his tenure at Penn State. As the Hokies race to fill their 2026 class, only eight commitments have been made thus far, out of which four are in-state. Franklin might help in regaining Tech’s hold on local recruitment, which has obviously weakened.

With a 104–45 record and seven final poll rankings, Franklin had built a steady program at Penn State over a period of 11 full seasons. Despite this, he has a 4–21 record versus rated opponents and has struggled to win the big games. Hokies fans may question hiring a guy who cannot win big games.

But as Chris Hummer of CBS Sports points out, “Virginia Tech is worried about getting left behind in football as the ACC changes its revenue-sharing structure to reward teams that get the best TV ratings. Franklin is exactly the type of splash hire — not to mention a regional fit — who can raise the floor and ceiling of a Hokies program that’s largely floundered since Frank Beamer’s departure.”

Franklin can choose from a variety of positions, but if he wants to coach right away, Blacksburg would be a good fit.