Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin is continuing to shape his first staff in Blacksburg, and according to sources, Franklin has added UConn’s Doug Shearer as the Hokies’ new special teams coordinator. Shearer, a 2013 UConn graduate with more than a decade of experience across the AAC, ACC, MAC, and FBS levels, arrives in Blacksburg with a proven track record of developing specialists.
Shearer was most recently on Jim Mora’s staff at UConn, serving as special teams coordinator while also coaching the sam linebackers. His 2024 special teams units were among the most productive in the country. Placekicker Chris Freeman hit 20 of 26 field goals, including a pair from 53 yards, and converted all 49 extra‑point attempts while finishing as the team’s leading scorer with 109 points. Freeman ranked 17th nationally in field goals per game, reflecting Shearer’s ability to maximize consistency and range at the position.
Punter Conner Stutz averaged 43.58 yards per punt, good for 30th nationally, while return specialist Mel Brown emerged as one of the most explosive players in college football. Brown finished second nationally in kickoff return average at 29.1 yards per attempt, highlighted by a 96‑yard touchdown return…