James Franklin takes over in Blacksburg after Virginia Tech’s 3-9 (2-6 ACC) season. In a highly unusual move, former head coach Brent Pry returns as defensive coordinator under Franklin after being fired just months earlier. Ty Howle comes over from Penn State to take over as offensive coordinator. QB Ethan Grunkemeyer also comes over from Penn State after stepping into a starter role in the back half of the season when Drew Allar went down with an injury. Top running back Marcellous Hawkins returns, along with Jefferey Overton, who impressed fans in his limited action last year. Ayden Greene returns as the top pass catcher from a season ago. Duke transfer Que’Sean Brown adds talent to the receivers group, and Penn State transfer tight end Luke Reynolds will complement Benji Gosnell.

Leading tackler Kaleb Spencer returns to lead the linebackers, while Kemari Copeland returns as a full-time starter on the defensive line. Tyson Flowers, Thomas Williams and Isaiah Brown-Murray are back in the secondary, and Brent Pry will need to fill a few holes in the defense.

Special teams coordinator Doug Shearer enters his first season with the Hokies with John Love as place kicker. The Hokies will bring in a new punter with Marshall transfer Nathan Totten, and Virginia Tech will need to find replacements for departed return men Isaiah Spencer and P.J. Prioleau. It will be fascinating to watch the coaching dynamics unfold, as a head coach returning to the staff the year after being fired is unheard of.