James Franklin's awkward 'Hey Michael' moment goes viral

Virginia Tech's new coach repeated the same greeting five times during a Zoom press conference, creating an unexpectedly cringeworthy viral clip.

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Sep 16, 2026

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James Franklin's awkward 'Hey Michael' moment goes viral

Virginia Tech's new coach repeated the same greeting five times during a Zoom press conference, creating an unexpectedly cringeworthy viral clip.

In brief

Virginia Tech's new coach repeated the same greeting five times during a Zoom press conference, creating an unexpectedly cringeworthy viral clip. Sometimes trying too hard to be personable backfires spectacularly on camera. Originally reported by OutKick.

Franklin's friendly greeting goes wrong

Virginia Tech Hokies head coach James Franklin

Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin tried to greet Baltimore Sun reporter Michael Howes during a Zoom press conference before the Maryland game, but repeated "Hey, Michael" five times in a row.

Reporter couldn't see Franklin on screen

Howes explained he couldn't actually see Franklin during the Zoom call, so he thought there was an audio glitch when the coach kept repeating the same phrase over and over.

Virginia Tech starts strong at two and oh

Virginia Tech Hokies head coach James Franklin

Franklin's Hokies have won their first two games against VMI and Old Dominion, scoring 117 combined points to start the season perfectly.

Maryland test looms this weekend

The Hokies face an unbeaten Big Ten Maryland squad that has allowed just 14 points all season, a significant step up in competition from their first two opponents.

Franklin already making other headlines

The Virginia Tech coach questioned officials for throwing a flag after running back Marcellous Hawkins Jr. celebrated with cadets following a touchdown in the VMI blowout.

The big picture

Sometimes trying too hard to be personable backfires spectacularly on camera.

Read the original on OutKick

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