Earlier this year, James Franklin lamented that he didn’t do a good enough job getting to know the local media at Penn State, implying he wanted to make up for it in his new role as Virginia Tech’s head football coach.
And he’s not taking no for an answer.
The Hokies improved to 2-0 last weekend with a win over Old Dominion, and Franklin met with the media on Monday to discuss that and their upcoming game against Maryland.
During the presser, Baltimore Sun sports reporter Michael Howes introduced himself, and Franklin responded, saying, “Hey, Michael.” Howes then launched into his question, but the coach apparently didn’t get the response he was looking for and said, “Hey, Michael” again. And again. And again, which made Howes start and stop each time.
Hey, Michael! #FranklinFiles pic.twitter.com/hdonM6hple
— Sons of Saturday Virginia Tech (@SonsofSatVT) September 14, 2026
Howes, it turns out, was asking the question on Zoom and was thoroughly confused by what was happening, presuming that Franklin couldn’t hear him. They eventually worked it out, and the reporter was able to ask his question.
James Franklin really wanted to know how my day was this morning.
Couldn’t see him on Zoom and thought the audio was glitching. My apologies, James. pic.twitter.com/tIAOGa4dzm
— Michael Howes (@Mikephowes) September 14, 2026
Was Franklin being a jerk? Overly friendly? Just making things weird? All three at the same time? We suppose it’s all part of his “charm.”
Add it to the pile of James Franklin media moments that leave you wondering what’s going on with him.