James Franklin is wasting no time shaping his Virginia Tech staff ahead of the January 2 transfer portal window. With the Hokies entering a pivotal offseason, Franklin’s early moves are starting to take form-and the latest target could bring a strong blend of experience, recruiting chops, and run-game expertise to Blacksburg.
Last week, word came down that Franklin plans to retain wide receivers coach Fontel Mines and offensive line coach Matt Moore. That duo joins a growing staff that already includes Brent Pry as defensive coordinator, Ty Howle handling offensive coordinator and tight ends duties, Danny O’Brien working with quarterbacks, and Chuck Losey leading strength and conditioning.
Now, another key piece might be on the way. According to reports, Virginia Tech is targeting Georgia Tech’s Norval McKenzie to take over as running backs coach. McKenzie, who also serves as the Yellow Jackets’ run game coordinator, has built a reputation as one of the ACC’s most respected position coaches-and his résumé backs it up.
A Georgia native and former Vanderbilt running back, McKenzie has put together a coaching journey that spans two decades and multiple conferences. After wrapping up his playing career in 2004, he jumped straight into coaching, starting at the high school level before climbing the college ranks. His path has taken him through stops at Furman, Arkansas State, Louisville, and multiple stints at Vanderbilt, before landing at Georgia Tech in 2023.
Here’s a quick snapshot of McKenzie’s coaching timeline:
- 2005-07: Hiram High School (GA), assistant coach
- 2008-09: Vanderbilt, graduate assistant
- 2010: Vanderbilt, assistant recruiting coordinator
- 2011-14: Furman, running backs coach & recruiting coordinator
- 2015: Furman, special teams coordinator & running backs
- 2016-17: Arkansas State, running backs
- 2018: Arkansas State, special teams coordinator & running backs
- 2019-20: Louisville, running backs
- 2021-22: Vanderbilt, running backs & run game coordinator
- 2023-25: Georgia Tech, running backs & run game coordinator
While Franklin and McKenzie haven’t coached together directly, there’s a notable connection. McKenzie was on staff at Vanderbilt when Franklin took over the Commodores program in 2011. That overlap, even if indirect, means Franklin is familiar with McKenzie’s work ethic and coaching style-and that kind of familiarity can go a long way when building out a cohesive staff.
What makes McKenzie particularly appealing is the combination of on-field production and off-field recruiting acumen. Under his guidance, Georgia Tech has developed one of the ACC’s most effective rushing attacks over the last three seasons. His ability to scheme the run game and develop backs has been evident, and it’s part of what’s made him a valuable asset wherever he’s gone.
But McKenzie’s value doesn’t stop at the whiteboard. He’s also known as a strong recruiter, with ties that stretch across Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina-three states that are critical to Virginia Tech’s recruiting strategy moving forward. If the Hokies are going to compete in the new-look ACC, they’ll need to win more battles in the Southeast, and McKenzie could help open those doors.
For Franklin, assembling a staff that can develop talent and win on the recruiting trail is priority No. 1.
And if McKenzie does land in Blacksburg, he checks both boxes. With the transfer portal about to heat up, having the right coaches in place-especially ones who can connect with players and sell a vision-is more important than ever.
The pieces are coming together in Blacksburg. And if this latest move happens, it could be another strong step in Virginia Tech’s effort to re-establish itself as a force in the ACC.