New Virginia Tech football coach James Franklin continues to fill out his coaching staff this month before the transfer portal opens in January. Last week, the Hokies hired their former head coach, Brent Pry, as defensive coordinator. Shortly afterward, Virginia Tech reportedly agreed to terms with Penn State tight ends coach Ty Howle as the new offensive coordinator.
Franklin is also expected to hire his former quarterback coach at Penn State, Danny O’Brien, to the same position. And, one of his most important hires, Chuck Losey, is also heading to Blacksburg as Virginia Tech’s new strength and conditioning coach.
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The Hokies are also keeping at least two of their assistants from last season: wide receivers coach Fontel Mines and offensive line coach Matt Moore. If you had asked any Virginia Tech fan if there were any coaches they’d like to keep, Mines and Moore would have been on the short list. Mines is VT’s top recruiter and one of the ACC’s best. Franklin has tried to lure him away from Blacksburg before, so retaining him made sense for both sides.
Moore joined the Hokies last offseason, replacing the fired Ron Crook. He had a monumental task in front of him, rebuilding Virginia Tech’s offensive line, losing its three best players (Xavier Chaplin, Braelin Moore and Kaden Moore), replacing them with several transfers and young players who had yet to make an impact. While things weren’t great, the unit improved as the season wore on, particularly in run blocking. Moore is also known as a strong recruiter within the region.
Multiple positions remain open on Franklin’s staff, but you can expect him to have those filled before the end of the month. Running backs coach Elijah Brooks could return to Virginia Tech, too, although it hasn’t been confirmed officially. Howle will likely coach tight ends, where he’s one of the nation’s best, while Pry will assist with linebackers.
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Mines, a former Virginia wide receiver, has been with Virginia Tech since 2022, when Pry initially hired him.
