Virginia Tech coach James Franklin send a clear statement Wednesday that the Hokies’ climb back to national relevance will require more than a new face on the sideline. The entire athletic department must all be rowing in the same direction.
Franklin comes to Blacksburg a month after Brent Pry’s dismissal and said his vision extends far beyond offensive schemes or recruiting strategies. Instead, he stressed a complete cultural overhaul and one that touches every corner of the university’s football infrastructure.
“Does it look, feel, smell and operate like a big-time program?” Franklin said on ESPN's Pat McAfee Show. “All those things need to be in place. … It’s not just James Franklin. It’s the marketing office, the ticketing office. Everybody’s got to take some time and look in the mirror and say, ‘Are we operating like a big-time program?’”
Virginia Tech has spent the past decade drifting from its former perch as a national contender, falling from Frank Beamer era to a program that has posted just one ACC Championship Game appearance in 15 years. The school fired Pry after an 0-3 start this fall. They haven't posted a win since and are riding a seven-game losing streak.
Franklin said the Hokies’ renewed financial commitment, including a $229 million athletics initiative approved in September, was key in his decision. He also cited conversations with former defensive coordinator Bud Foster and athletic director Whit Babcock, both of whom were transparent with Franklin.
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