Brent Pry Returns to Virginia Tech as Defensive Coordinator in Stunning Reunion

James Franklin has made his first major staff move. The new Virginia Tech head coach is hiring Brent Pry as defensive coordinator. This news comes from trusted sources. The reunion comes just months after Pry was fired as the Hokies’ head coach.The hiring marks a dramatic shift for both men. Pry was let go in late September after a challenging tenure. His return to a coordinator role he knows well aims to stabilize the defense immediately.

A Proven Track Record of Defensive Success

Brent Pry brings deep experience to the role. His coaching career began in the early 1990s. He first worked with James Franklin at East Stroudsburg as a defensive backs coach.His first defensive coordinator job was at Louisiana-Lafayette. He spent five years there. According to On3, he helped that program win its first Sun Belt conference title in 2005. He later served as a graduate assistant under the legendary Bud Foster at Virginia Tech.Pry spent eight years with Franklin at Vanderbilt and Penn State. He was defensive coordinator or co-coordinator for that entire period. His units were consistently among the nation’s best.

Immediate Impact and Strategic Vision

The strategic fit is clear for Virginia Tech. Pry is expected to run a 4-2-5 “STAR” defense. This scheme is similar to what Bud Foster ran successfully for years. It is designed to handle modern spread offenses.His past results are impressive. In 2021, his Penn State defense was a top-20 unit. It allowed just 328.8 yards per game. Pry was nominated for the Broyles Award that season for top assistant coach.His 2019 defense was even more dominant. It finished eighth nationally in scoring defense. That unit led the country in sacks and allowed a mere 2.6 yards per carry.

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This hire signals a clear priority for James Franklin. Stabilizing the defense with a known expert is step one. Brent Pry’s return provides instant credibility and a proven scheme for Virginia Tech football.

Info at your fingertips

Who is Brent Pry?

Brent Pry is a longtime defensive coach. He was most recently the head coach at Virginia Tech. Before that, he was James Franklin’s defensive coordinator at Penn State for many successful years.

Why was Brent Pry fired as head coach?

Virginia Tech relieved Pry of his head coaching duties in late September. His overall record was 16 wins and 24 losses across three-plus seasons. The team struggled to find consistent success during his tenure.

What is Pry’s defensive reputation?

He is highly regarded as a defensive strategist. His units at Penn State finished in the top 10 for scoring defense multiple times. He learned under renowned coordinator Bud Foster early in his career.

What scheme will Virginia Tech run?

Pry is expected to install a 4-2-5 defense. This system features a “STAR” hybrid linebacker/safety. It is designed for flexibility against various offensive styles, particularly spread formations.

Is this a good hire for Virginia Tech?

Based on his coordinator record, it appears solid. Pry knows the school, the region for recruiting, and his head coach. His past defensive performance suggests he can quickly improve that side of the ball.