Virginia Tech continues to build out its defensive identity under James Franklin, and the latest addition to the staff is a notable one. Nick Perry, a former Alabama safety with both NFL and SEC coaching experience, has been named the Hokies’ new cornerbacks coach. It’s a move that fits the mold Franklin has followed this offseason - targeting young, energetic coaches with proven player development chops and ties to elite programs.
Perry brings a unique blend of pedigree and perspective. As a player, he was part of a national championship team at Alabama, patrolling the secondary for Nick Saban.
That firsthand experience in one of college football’s most demanding defensive systems laid the groundwork for his coaching career. He stayed in Tuscaloosa after his playing days, cutting his teeth as a graduate assistant before moving into a defensive analyst role.
Those early years embedded in Saban’s operation gave Perry a front-row seat to how elite defenses are built - from scheme to technique to the mental side of the game.
But Perry didn’t stop there. He made the jump to the NFL, spending three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons and another with the Seattle Seahawks. That time in the league added layers to his coaching toolbox - understanding how to teach technique at a pro level, working with different personalities, and adapting to the speed and complexity of the NFL game.
After his NFL stint, Perry returned to college football and took over the secondary at Arkansas during the 2025 season. Coaching in the SEC again, this time with full position-group responsibility, he continued to build a reputation as a sharp developer of talent and a strong communicator with players.
Now, he steps into a key role at Virginia Tech, where Franklin is assembling a staff that blends youthful energy with big-time experience. Perry fits that bill perfectly. He’s walked the walk as a player, learned from some of the best minds in football, and coached at every level - from national title contenders to NFL sidelines.
For the Hokies, this hire is about more than just filling a spot. It’s about continuing to shape a defense that can compete at the highest level. And with Perry now in charge of the corners, Virginia Tech adds a coach who knows what elite looks like - and how to get players there.