Hokie ClubJames Laughlin arrives in Blacksburg after serving as the director of football operations at Tennessee Tech since 2021. A 2016 graduate of Tennessee Tech with a degree in marketing, Laughlin had a solid career with the Golden Eagles, playing in 33 games and collecting 124 total tackles with five sacks, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, an interception and nine pass breakups.
After completing his degree, Laughlin joined the staff at Gardner-Webb as a graduate assistant, earning his master’s degree in business administration in 2019. While there, he coached a first-team All-Big South Conference defensive back and the 2016 BSC Defensive Freshman of the Year. Laughlin helped with day-to-day operations, recruiting, gameday and administrative functions. He also helped organize activities for recruits and their families on on-campus visits.