Like most coaches, Penn State head coach James Franklin maintains a busy fall schedule. However, he is not too busy to keep in touch with his brethren in the coaching fraternity. One in particular is a coach with whom he shares a bond.
Only 135 other people can relate to Franklin: that’s the exact number of different current head coaches in FBS. Within that number, 25 coaches understand the rigors of coaching a ranked team. Moreover, that number whittles to ten when talk of elite teams begins.
Does Penn State Head Coach James Franklin Maintain Close Communication With Brent Pry?
Last week, Virginia Tech fired Brent Pry after a 0-3 start, on top of a 16-24 tenure in Blacksburg. Pry’s lone bowl win came in the 2023 Military Bowl, a 41-20 victory over Tulane. Franklin, one of Pry’s most ardent supporters, spoke about the coach.
James Franklin says he has messaged “a bunch” with former Penn State DC Brent Pry since his firing at Virginia Tech. Their wives have also communicated.
“Brent is resilient, and he’s a darn good football coach. He’ll bounce back. I know he will.”
— Tyler Donohue (@TDsTake) September 22, 2025
“James Franklin says he has messaged ‘a bunch’ with former Penn State DC Brent Pry since his firing at Virginia Tech. Their wives have also communicated,” wrote Tyler Donohue on X, informing of the status quo of Franklin.
“Brent is resilient, and he’s a darn good football coach. He’ll bounce back. I know he will,” he added.
From 2011 to 2021, Pry held three jobs, first working under Franklin as Vanderbilt’s assistant head coach/co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. From there, he had the same three titles at Penn State before settling in as the sole defensive coordinator and linebackers coach in State College.
Ultimately, what could’ve contributed to Pry’s dismissal could be summed up in two factors. Frank Beamer’s standard in 29 years on campus could be too excellent a shadow. Beamer won 62.6% of his games, with 11 bowl victories.
Next, the administration would not let Pry enjoy the same tenure as Beamer’s predecessor, Justin Fuente. In six seasons at Virginia Tech, Fuente went 1-3 in bowl games, with many attributing his lone bowl win (2016 Belk Bowl) to players that Beamer recruited.
Would Pry rejoin Franklin in Happy Valley? Currently, Jim Knowles occupies the defensive coordinator spot. The Nittany Lions boast the third-stingiest scoring defense in FBS, allowing just 5.7 points per game. As a result, there may not be any room.
However, with the usually high turnover at FBS schools, Pry could find himself back on the sidelines sooner rather than later. For example, James Madison could be in the market for a new coach. Current head coach Bob Chesney sits high on many schools’ wish lists.
With Franklin soundly in his corner, Pry’s fall break could be temporary. As mentioned, the coaching fraternity is strong, with colleagues extending letters of reference and endorsements to interested schools. Where will Pry end up next season?
