Virginia Tech Dismisses Coach Brent Pry Following Disappointing Start

In a significant move for the Virginia Tech Hokies football program, head coach Brent Pry has been fired after the team’s disappointing start to the 2025 season. The decision comes on the heels of a 45-26 home defeat to the Old Dominion Monarchs, which left the Hokies with a record of 0-3. This marks a troubling continuation of struggles for a program that has not seen the success it once enjoyed under legendary coach Frank Beamer.

A Disheartening Loss

The loss to Old Dominion was particularly painful for the Hokies, as fans expressed their dissatisfaction with loud boos as the team headed to the locker room at halftime. The defeat not only dropped Virginia Tech to 0-3 on the season but also raised questions about the direction of the program under Pry’s leadership, which had seen a lack of progress over his four seasons.

Pry’s tenure at Virginia Tech began with promise, but the results have been disappointing. He leaves the program with a record of 16-24, including two seasons that ended with a 6-6 record. Following the loss to Old Dominion, Pry took responsibility for the team’s performance, stating, “Clearly, it starts with me. Coaches, players, everybody is accountable here. We’ve got to get back to the basics and find a way to be closer to the team we can be.”

The Decision to Part Ways

Virginia Tech’s president, Tim Sands, released a statement indicating that the decision to terminate Pry was necessary due to “on-field results that are not acceptable.” The Hokies’ struggles have been evident, as they have not beaten a Power Five team in a nonconference game since 2017, a streak that now extends to 15 consecutive losses.

Pry’s dismissal comes with a significant financial implication for the university, as he is set to receive over $6 million in buyout payments. In his statement following the firing, Pry expressed gratitude for his time at Virginia Tech, saying, “Blacksburg will always hold a special place in our hearts. We leave with wonderful memories and lifelong friendships, and we will forever be cheering for the Hokies.”

A Shift in Leadership

Following Pry’s departure, offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery has been named the interim head coach. Sands emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan to enhance the program’s competitiveness within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). He noted that the upcoming changes in college sports provide an opportunity to revitalize the program.

As the Hokies prepare to face Wofford on Saturday, they will look to turn around their fortunes before entering ACC play the following week against NC State. The team is seeking to avoid the first 0-3 start since Beamer’s initial year in 1987, a year that ultimately laid the groundwork for the Hokies’ ascent to national prominence.

Historical Context

Frank Beamer’s era at Virginia Tech was marked by remarkable success, including a national championship game appearance in 1999 and 23 bowl appearances. However, since Beamer’s departure in 2015, the program has struggled to maintain that level of excellence, failing to crack the AP Top 25 in the last four years.

Pry was hired in 2021 with the hope of revitalizing the program after serving as the defensive coordinator at Penn State for eight seasons. His contract was worth $27.5 million over six years, with a salary of $4.75 million for the current season. However, the Hokies have struggled to recruit effectively, with only three of the starting 22 players in the recent Vanderbilt game coming from Virginia, a key strategy that Beamer had successfully implemented during his tenure.

Looking Ahead

As Virginia Tech moves forward, the focus will be on rebuilding the program and finding a new leader who can restore the Hokies’ competitive edge in college football. The search for a permanent head coach will likely consider candidates who can effectively recruit local talent and instill a winning culture.

The upcoming games will be crucial for the team as they attempt to salvage their season and build momentum for the future. With the right leadership and a renewed commitment to excellence, Virginia Tech hopes to return to its former glory in the world of college football.

Key Facts

– Virginia Tech fired head coach Brent Pry after a 45-26 loss to Old Dominion, leaving the team at 0-3 for the season.
– Pry’s overall record with the Hokies was 16-24 over four seasons.
– The Hokies have not beaten a Power Five team in a nonconference game since 2017, marking 15 consecutive losses.
– Offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery has been named interim head coach.
– Virginia Tech is seeking to revitalize its football program and improve its competitiveness in the ACC.

Source: www.espn.com