James Franklin got his first taste of Virginia Tech's “Enter Sandman” tradition on Wednesday as he walked into Cassell Coliseum for his introductory press conference.

It’s something the 53-year-old Franklin is eager to experience as the Hokies’ football coach . Advertisement

“I can’t wait. ... I’ve been watching that intro to college football my entire life,” said Franklin, who was sporting a maroon tie and pocket square. “It’s something special.”

Virginia Tech is the first Power Four program to hire its next football coach this cycle, officially bringing Franklin aboard about a month after he was fired from Penn State .

“Today is a statement about where we are headed as an athletic department and as a university, one built on alignment, investment and ambition," Virginia Tech ath

See Full Page