Potential Coordinator Candidates For James Franklin at Virginia Tech

Josh Poslusny breaks down potential names that James Franklin may hire as Coordinators at Virginia Tech.

10/11/25; University Park, PA; Penn State head coach James Franklin stands on the field during a warmup prior to the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images | Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images

It's finally official; Virginia Tech has hired former Penn State head coach James Franklin! The Hokies have more hires to make to fully complete Franklin's staff in Blacksburg, am I am here to go over who he may hire for offensive and defensive coordinator.

Here, I will go over some long-shot names for certain positions while also putting down some predictions.

Offensive Coordinator

The offensive coordinator job is interesting. Franklin was recently at ODU, and some speculated that he may have been trying to recruit ODU Head Coach Ricky Rahne to be his offensive coordinator in Blacksburg.

Rahne has spent six years at ODU, where he has gone 27-33 and 20-18 in conference. I truthfully think that Rahne would be a spectacular hire at OC, but I don't think that he would be leaving an ODU team that is trending towards the top of the G5.

A name that does make a lot of sense to me is Virginia Tech Wide Receivers Coach Fontel Mines. As recently as just two offseasons ago, rumors were swirling about Penn State going after Fontel Mines as a potential candidate as Penn State's next wide receivers coach.

While Mines does not have a history as an offensive coordinator, he has strong recruiting ties to the region, much like James Franklin. Mines being at a higher position where he would get an opprotunity to develop as an offensive coordinator could greatly help out with recruiting as well as offensive production.

Defensive Coordinator

I'm just going to put the name out there because everybody is going to. Former Virginia Tech Head Coach Brent Pry. While this would be really funny, and a really nice heartwarming way for Brent Pry to win back this fanbase, this is a fresh wound for both parties. Hokies fans loved Brent Pry the person, but not the coach. Brent Pry loved Virginia Tech and properly embodied Hokie Nation.

While it is something that may happen down the line, I would give it a few low likelyhood of happening immediately. A lot of these players are the same ones who appeared to have given up for the last six quarters of Brent Pry's tenure at Virginia Tech, and they will both remember it. Pry is a very good defensive coordinator, and he may get a look down the road. The way I see it, there is no way that either parties are interested in this move right now.

Another guy who I find very possible is Penn State Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles. Just a year ago, Knowles piloted an Ohio State defense that just won a national championship. He was considered a candidate for Virginia Tech's defensive coordinator opening a year ago as well. He is a fantastic defensive play caller, having a defense that led the country in scoring, yards, and red zone defense.

I have not heard anything negative about his relationship with James Franklin. Because of that, I would not be surprised whatsoever to see James Franklin go out and hire Jim Knowles to come with him, even with a subpar defense this year.

Closing

I will continue to publish articles like this as time develops. James Franklin was announced as the Virginia Tech Head Coach less than an hour ago, and he hasn't even moved into his house in Blacksburg yet.

As more information comes out, more articles will come out regarding potential candidates.