James Franklin says Virginia Tech needs to be a 'big-time program' originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Pry, who previously served as the Hokies’ head coach, has known Franklin for more than three decades. Franklin said stepping into a role once held by someone so close to him added another layer of meaning to the moment. “Brent Pry is a good friend,” Franklin said. “Brent Pry’s dad was my offensive coordinator in college.”