Virginia Tech coach teases reporter at news conference

BLACKSBURG, Va. (WDBJ) - An introduction during Virginia Tech Coach James Franklin’s news conference Monday is going viral, and a young reporter from Baltimore is internet-famous, at least by his first name.

“Hey coach... Michael Howes with the Baltimore Sun... ”

“Hey, Michael. Hey, Michael... Hey, Michael... Hey, Michael...“ responded Coach Franklin.

Sports writer Michael Howes with the Baltimore Sun tried to ask Franklin a question about his relationship with Maryland’s coaching staff, but Franklin just kept trying to greet him over and over.

Howes joined the “Hometown Sports Huddle” on WDBJ7+ Tuesday to talk about the awkward and humorous exchange.

“He was simply determined to know how my day was going,” said Howes.

Howes admitted he woke up to lots of “Hey Michael” texts from friends Tuesday.

You can hear more of him, and his thoughts on Virginia Tech versus Maryland, on the Hometown Sports Huddle on WDBJ7+.

You can read more about the exchange in a report from the New York Post.