Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin turned an ordinary pregame press conference into a viral moment this week after repeatedly greeting a reporter mid-question before his team’s upcoming trip to College Park to face Maryland on Saturday.
The exchange happened during a video call when Michael Howes of the Baltimore Sun introduced himself by name and outlet before starting to ask Franklin a question. Rather than let Howes proceed, Franklin interjected with “Hey, Michael,” apparently trying to say hello and check in on him. When Howes kept going with his question, Franklin repeated the greeting again. And again.
By the time it was over, Franklin had said “Hey, Michael” five times before Howes finally paused and the two exchanged pleasantries.
Howes later posted the clip on X, explaining that he hadn’t been able to see Franklin on the call and initially thought there was an audio glitch causing the repetition. Given how the moment played out, that seemed like a reasonable assumption at the time.
The lighthearted exchange comes as Franklin’s first season leading the Hokies has started strong. Virginia Tech is 2-0 after wins over VMI and Old Dominion, outscoring opponents by a combined 117 points. But Saturday’s matchup at Maryland presents a much tougher test, with the Terrapins entering unbeaten and their defense having allowed just 14 points all season.
Franklin also drew attention earlier this season for a different reason, pushing back on officials who threw a flag after running back Marcellous Hawkins Jr. celebrated with cadets following a touchdown during Virginia Tech’s 73-point season-opening win over VMI.
Fans and reporters covering the Hokies-Terrapins game will be watching to see whether Virginia Tech’s high-scoring start can hold up against a Maryland defense that has been stingy through its first games of the year.
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