Sources: Fired Pry hired back by Va. Tech as DC

Former Virginia Tech coach Brent Pry, fired by the school in September, is set to return as Hokies defensive coordinator under James Franklin, sources confirmed to ESPN.

A highly unusual move in major college football, Pry will rejoin the team he led from 2022 until Sept. 14, when he was fired following an 0-3 start. Pry went 16-24 as Hokies coach with bowl appearances the past two years. Virginia Tech hired Franklin, fired as Penn State's coach in October, as its new coach Nov. 17.

Before Virginia Tech, Pry, served as Franklin's defensive coordinator at Penn State. He also worked under Franklin at Vanderbilt, as co-defensive coordinator from 2011 to 2013. Franklin became emotional when discussing Pry, at his introductory news conference with Virginia Tech, noting that Pry's father Jim had coached Franklin in college at East Stroudsburg.

"I've known Brent for over 30 years," Franklin said. "... I've got a ton of respect for Brent and his family. I know he poured his heart and soul into this place. I know this place is better today because of Brent, and the commitment that he made."

CBS first reported Pry as a target for Franklin's defensive coordinator role. Pry, 55, was a graduate assistant at Virginia Tech under Frank Beamer early in his career.

Virginia Tech owed Pry about $6 million at the time of his dismissal, which is subject to offset if he obtained another coaching job.