As James Franklin continues shaping his first coaching staff at Virginia Tech, he’s leaning on some familiar faces from his past - and one of the most recognizable is veteran coach Danny Rocco.
Sources indicate that Virginia Tech is targeting Rocco for an off-field role, bringing a wealth of experience and a strong connection to Franklin from their time together at Penn State. Rocco served as a senior analyst under Franklin during the 2022 season, and that prior relationship could now translate into a key support position in Blacksburg.
Rocco’s coaching résumé is as deep as it is diverse. He most recently led VMI as head coach for the past three seasons, and before that, he made his mark at Liberty, Richmond, and Delaware, racking up 128 career wins along the way. That kind of experience doesn’t just happen - it’s built over decades of navigating the grind of college football, from the FCS level to Power Conference sidelines.
And speaking of Power Conferences, Rocco’s coaching journey has included stops at some of the sport’s most respected programs: Texas, Colorado, Wake Forest, Maryland, Boston College, and Virginia. Whether it’s recruiting, game planning, or mentoring young coaches, Rocco’s been there and done that - and that’s exactly the kind of institutional knowledge Franklin is clearly prioritizing as he constructs a robust off-field infrastructure.
This move also has a family connection. Rocco’s son, David Rocco, is expected to join the Hokies in an assistant tight ends role, following Franklin from Penn State. The younger Rocco is part of a growing staff that blends continuity with fresh perspective - a balance Franklin seems intent on striking as he lays the foundation for his tenure in Blacksburg.
And there’s a bit of symmetry in all this: Virginia Tech is slated to open its 2026 season against VMI - the very program Rocco just led. That matchup is still a ways off, but it adds an intriguing layer to what’s shaping up to be a new era for Hokies football - one built on experience, trust, and a clear vision from the top down.