James Franklin continues to shape his staff at Virginia Tech, making two key additions this week that signal some important moves on the special teams and defensive side of the ball. Doug Shearer has been tapped to take over as special teams coordinator, while Vic Hall joins the staff in a defensive role, with his Twitter bio offering a bit of a clue - “Secondary Coach (Nickels).”
Let’s unpack what this means for the Hokies.
Doug Shearer’s Role: Special Teams Get a New Voice
Special teams often fly under the radar - until they don’t. A blocked punt, a missed field goal, a game-changing return - these moments can swing momentum in a heartbeat.
That’s where Doug Shearer comes in. While details around his coaching background haven’t been fully laid out yet, his appointment as special teams coordinator suggests Franklin is looking to sharpen this phase of the game.
It’s a vital area where discipline, attention to detail, and situational awareness can win or lose games. Shearer will be tasked with tightening up those units and bringing consistency to a group that often serves as a barometer for a team’s overall preparedness.
Vic Hall’s Addition: Secondary Depth and Versatility
Then there’s Vic Hall, whose role is a bit more nuanced. His bio points to him working with the “Nickels” - a hybrid position that’s become increasingly important in today’s college football landscape.
With offenses spreading the field and tempo becoming the norm, having a coach focused on the nickel position isn’t just a luxury - it’s a necessity. These players are asked to do it all: cover slot receivers, support the run, blitz off the edge, and communicate like a safety.
Hall’s experience and focus on this group could be a smart move by Franklin to adapt defensively to the modern game.
What’s still unclear is whether Hall will be one of the 10 full-time assistants or if he’ll serve in a support capacity. That answer likely won’t come until Franklin unveils the full staff, which he’s holding off on until all pieces are in place. That’s been his approach - no partial reveals, just the final product when it’s ready.
The Current Staff Picture
Here’s how the coaching staff is shaping up so far:
- Quarterbacks: Danny O’Brien
- Running Backs: Norval McKenzie
- Wide Receivers: Fontel Mines
- Tight Ends / Offensive Coordinator: Ty Howle
- Offensive Line: Matt Moore
- Defensive Line: Sean Spencer
- Linebackers / Defensive Coordinator: Brent Pry
- Cornerbacks: TBD
- Safeties: TBD
With the cornerbacks and safeties roles still open - or at least unannounced - there’s room for more defensive hires, which could clarify where Hall fits in. If he’s focused on nickels, that could mean he’s working under a broader secondary coach, or he could be the guy leading that group outright. Either way, his presence adds depth and specialization to a unit that’s going to be tested in the ACC.
What It All Means
Franklin’s approach here is methodical. He’s not rushing announcements or trying to win the offseason headline war - he’s building a staff with defined roles and clear responsibilities.
The addition of Shearer and Hall points to a focus on situational football and defensive versatility. As the staff continues to take shape, the picture becomes clearer: Franklin wants a team that can adapt, execute, and win in all three phases.
We’ll keep an eye on the final hires, but for now, these two additions are another step in Virginia Tech’s effort to climb back into national relevance - one coach at a time.