Consensus there seems to be that Howle is a great recruiter, great talent developer, and deserves a promotion. Good to read that, when you know they would love to gloat if they thought Franklin/VT had made a blunder. Also FWIW, after reading many of the comments there about Hagans, I sure hope he is NOT joining the staff here.

But @Chris Coleman has indicated that last year's OC at PSU has always had ****ty receivers in his system. So Hagans could be taking the blame for what amounts to a ****ty system for WRs. Just playing devil's advocate.

LOL

with an FCS school. So, it appears he was on the “not going to be retained” list not long after Franklin was fired.

And you would think an ex player would support the program ….Im friends with many who do ✌️ ** Edited by jagerhokie at 12/9/2025, 7:36:57 PM

A talented QB + decent Oline + good/great skill guys = brilliant OC.

guys look like a well designed offense.

Would you pick me up some winning lottery numbers

Literally you couldn't have picked a better example of my requested job description

VT fans are so desperate to celebrate something, they have built Franklin up to be Bear Bryant and have already started to count his ACC championship rings. At the same time, the fanbase is so traumatized by past shortcomings that the moment something seems less than ideal, some folks decide Franklin is already a failure. This is the type of reaction that could forever hamstring the program, and is exactly what I've been worried about with VT putting all of its chips on this hire working out. If the fanbase is impatient and VT eventually fires Franklin, I feel that is going to solidify VT's status as a bottom-dweller for another 25 years. Tech won't be able to afford another good coach/staff/roster after paying three consecutive buyouts and shaking down its donor base for every last penny. At this point, I think everyone needs to pull in the same direction and let things play out over time. Franklin wasn't even on my list of coaches I was remotely interested in VT pursuing, but now that he's been hired, I'm hoping it works out and I'm certainly not going to declare him a failure before he's even coached his first game. I just think people need to come back to reality and be honest with themselves about VT's status and probable ceiling, as well as the fact that Franklin got fired by PSU for not winning enough (in the opinion of their fans). I think one of the best ways to avoid this hire going sideways is for the fanbase to not have unrealistic expectations, such as VT winning national championships. I'm not saying that's impossible, but it is extremely unlikely, in my opinion.

How terrible it is to play/learn under a TE coach turned inexperienced OC who has no concept of scheme and offensive identity... I think I at least qualify as "Experienced Complainer"

Yeah, he wasn't great but it seems like the team did well overall during those years.

Other than a few Superstar Talents, it wasn't b/c of the offensive schemes, play calls--definitely not the OC.

later?

Stiney had us playing pro, spread, and everything in between at the same time - there was no consistency in scheme. How you recruit, coach, and play is wildly different across those types of offenses. It was like he knew Power I had been successful at VT so felt obligated to keep it but college was already moving to more spread and he wanted to try that, while also trying to re-invent a new Mike Vick - pure mess for all of us on offense.

living room also.

Championship Game tickets now because the ACC does not have members named "Ohio State" and "Michigan" on the schedule next year. Heck you should go ahead and purchase your FBS Playoff tickets for every round now before they go like hot cakes because VT will be 13-0 (sorry UMD you are no Ohio State or Michigan) and the #1 seed just like Indiana is this season. If you feel so inclined you can even make a small $50K...no $100K donation to VT to keep this magical run going. After all, didn't you hear the Marching Virginians and Highty Tighties play "When the Saints Go Marching In" in the background as Franklin announced the new hires? I have even been told the announcement brought a tear to TD Jesus' eyes, but don't tell any Notre Dame fans that. ** Edited by VTHokie2000 at 12/9/2025, 6:22:07 PM

This is Stiney and Bowen all over again

I don't think it is going to be that bad. Granted - I am skeptical it will be dynamic, but I think it will actually be consistent and have an identity. If we find the right players (i.e. Running Back, O-Line, TE). What I do believe it means is recruiting and portal acquisition are going to be critical.