James Franklin soaks in 'surreal' experience of taking over Virginia Tech's football program

DAMIEN SORDELETT The Roanoke Times
Nov 19, 2025
Nov 19, 2025 Updated Nov 20, 2025
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DAMIEN SORDELETT The Roanoke Times

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BLACKSBURG — James Franklin allowed himself to soak in the atmosphere Wednesday morning. The entrance into Cassell Coliseum as Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” blared through the loudspeakers. Listening to the Corps of Cadets singing the lyrics to the song after the music was turned off. The round of applause that followed his introduction to the microphone.

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Franklin 1.jpeg — James Franklin (second from right) holds a custom Virginia Tech uniform while posing for a photo with Rector John Rocovich (left to right), President Tim Sands and athletic director Whit Babcock during Franklin's introductory press conference Wednesday morning in Blacksburg.
DAMIEN SORDELETT The Roanoke Times

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Franklin 2.jpeg — New Virginia Tech football coach James Franklin (right) shakes hands with President Tim Sands following the conclusion of Franklin's introductory press conference Wednesday morning in Blacksburg.
DAMIEN SORDELETT The Roanoke Times

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Franklin 3.jpeg — New Virgina Tech football coach James Franklin (right) poses for a photo with Bud Foster (left) and Frank Beamer after Franklin's introductory press conference Wednesday morning in Blacksburg.
DAMIEN SORDELETT The Roanoke Times

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Damien Sordelett (540) 981-3124

damien.sordelett@roanoke.com

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