During a press conference, James Franklin attempted to be amiable and ended up doing something out of the ordinary. He called out “Hey Michael” five times before securing a reporter’s attention.
The Virginia Tech head coach was speaking to reporters ahead of his team’s trip to Maryland on Saturday. Michael Howes of the Baltimore Sun introduced himself over Zoom with his name and affiliation before asking Franklin a question. Franklin wouldn’t let Howes ask his question until they exchanged pleasantries, and he kept saying the same thing until he got the attention he wanted.
“Hey, Michael,” Franklin said, trying to get Howes’ attention and ask how he was doing.
Howes didn’t pause, so Franklin said it again. And again. And again. He said it five times in total before finally getting Howes’ attention and asking him how he was doing. Franklin was clearly just trying to be nice, but that doesn’t mean the moment wasn’t also cringeworthy.
What Actually Happened
When Howes posted the clip on X, he noted that he could not actually see Franklin during the Zoom call. He concluded that there must be an audio glitch occurring instead. It was a reasonable guess, given how Franklin kept repeating the same phrase over and over again.
So far, Franklin’s time with the Hokies has been flawless: two victories over VMI and Old Dominion have pushed his record to 2-0. This weekend, though, his new program faces a much tougher test, visiting Maryland to take on the unbeaten Big Ten squad.
The Numbers Behind the Game
So far this season, the Hokies have put up a total of 117 points across their first two games, while Maryland’s defense has given up only 14.
In the season opener against VMI, Franklin’s team racked up 73 points, but the real story came when the head coach protested to officials for throwing a flag after running back Marcellous Hawkins Jr. celebrated with cadets following his touchdown in the lopsided win.
Franklin’s Other Headlines
Franklin’s questioning of officials after Hawkins’ celebration drew attention beyond the game itself. The incident added to a week that already included a memorable press conference moment.
The Moment’s Legacy
Five times is a lot of times to say one name, especially when the person you’re talking to can’t see you. Franklin meant well, but his repeated attempts to connect with Howes were so persistent that they became the story themselves.
This is the sort of exchange that endures precisely because it is so straightforward: a coach attempting to come across as amiable, a reporter taken aback. Franklin was simply being cordial, yet the delivery came across badly.
What Comes Next
Virginia Tech will travel to Maryland for a game on Saturday. Maryland has yet to lose a contest this season. The Hokies have managed only 117 points across their first two games. Maryland’s defense has conceded just 14.
Franklin’s team has won its first two games. That’s the important part. The awkwardness of the press conference is a footnote, but it’s a footnote that’s already making the rounds.
The lesson is straightforward: being personable pays off, but the moment counts. Franklin reached out to make a connection, and he succeeded eventually. The issue came from how he went about it.
- Franklin said “Hey, Michael” five times before he got Howes’ attention
- Howes couldn’t see Franklin on the Zoom call
- Franklin questioned officials after Hawkins celebrated with cadets
- The Hokies have scored 117 points in two games
- Maryland’s defense has allowed just 14 points
The moment is cringeworthy, but it’s also human. Franklin was reaching out, and he kept reaching until he got through. Whether that reads as charm or awkwardness depends on where you sit, but the numbers don’t lie: Virginia Tech is 2-0, and Maryland is the bigger test.
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