Virginia Tech’s Struggling Football Program Faces More Setbacks as Coach Brent Pry’s Coordinator Hires Backfire
Virginia Tech football has been in a state of flux over the past few seasons, and under head coach Brent Pry, things have only seemed to worsen. After taking the reins as head coach in 2022, Pry was tasked with turning around a struggling Hokies program. While the challenges were expected, recent events have cast doubt on his leadership, particularly after multiple high-profile coaching hires that have backfired. Most notably, Pry’s attempts to solidify the offensive coordinator position have resulted in more chaos, with yet another key coach leaving, leaving the program in even more uncertainty.
Brent Pry, who arrived in Blacksburg with a strong defensive reputation, inherited a team with plenty of talent but lacking consistency and cohesion on both sides of the ball. The decision to focus heavily on the defensive side of the game was understandable given his background, but his struggles to hire and retain key offensive staff have been troubling.
The first major move in Pry’s tenure was the hiring of former Memphis offensive coordinator, Tyler Bowen, to lead Virginia Tech’s offense. Bowen, who had a good track record with the Tigers, was seen as a solid hire and one that would bring an up-tempo, dynamic approach to the Hokies’ offense. However, Bowen’s tenure was short-lived. Despite the expectations, Virginia Tech’s offensive struggles persisted, and Bowen departed after just one season. His departure raised concerns about Pry’s ability to build stability on the offensive side of the ball, and it also left the program scrambling to find a replacement.
In response, Pry made another move by hiring a highly regarded candidate, former Old Dominion offensive coordinator, James Franklin, in an attempt to inject more creativity and success into the Hokies’ attack. Unfortunately, Franklin’s time at Virginia Tech was equally brief, as he left the program under mysterious circumstances. Reports suggest that friction between Franklin and the program’s leadership, coupled with a lack of success on the field, led to his departure. This marked yet another in a string of failed attempts by Pry to build a consistent and effective offensive coaching staff.
What is particularly troubling about these backfires is not just the rapid turnover but the implications they have on the overall culture of the program. When a coach can’t retain his offensive coordinators or other key staff members, it sends a message of instability. Recruiting becomes difficult when potential players see constant turnover, as they are uncertain about who will be coaching them in the long run. This creates a vicious cycle where a lack of continuity affects player development, and that, in turn, impacts the program’s on-field performance.
With each failed hire, Pry’s position becomes more precarious. The Hokies’ offense has continued to underperform, and the program has failed to achieve any notable success. Pry’s inability to maintain continuity within his coaching staff has drawn criticism, especially given the high expectations that came with his hiring. The program’s leadership will likely have to make some tough decisions in the near future if Virginia Tech is to avoid falling further into mediocrity.
Ultimately, Virginia Tech’s football program is at a crossroads. Brent Pry’s handling of the offensive coordinator position and the departures of his staff members have shown just how difficult it has been for the program to find stability. With questions surrounding the future of the program, Pry must work quickly to get his coaching staff in order, or his tenure as head coach may be in jeopardy. Without the right leadership, the Hokies risk becoming an afterthought in the competitive world of college football.
