Virginia Tech Hires Danny O’Brien as New Quarterbacks Coach

Virginia Tech has hired Danny O’Brien as its new quarterbacks coach. The news was first reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel. The move finalizes a key position on Head Coach Brent Pry’s offensive staff.This hiring brings a young, analytically driven coach to Blacksburg. O’Brien joins the Hokies after two seasons in the same role at Penn State.

O’Brien’s Coaching Pedigree and Player Development

Danny O’Brien worked closely with Penn State quarterback Drew Allar. Allar set an FBS record with 311 consecutive passes without an interception. Under O’Brien’s guidance, Allar maintained an exceptionally low career interception rate.That focus on ball security will be crucial for Virginia Tech. Hokie quarterbacks have struggled with turnovers in recent seasons. O’Brien’s track record suggests he can directly address this weakness.His coaching journey is notable. He played collegiately before a brief professional stint in the CFL. O’Brien then climbed the ranks at Penn State from analyst to quarterbacks coach.

A Strategic Hire for Recruiting and Offensive Future

At 35, O’Brien becomes the youngest on-field coach at Virginia Tech. His age and modern approach are seen as a recruiting advantage. He played a part in Penn State landing highly-touted quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer.The hire has sparked mixed reactions from Penn State fans. Some celebrated his departure, linking him to Allar’s perceived stalled development. However, the statistical output of his pupil tells a different story of efficiency.For Virginia Tech, this is a clear strategic move. They are prioritizing quarterback development and ball protection. O’Brien’s analytics background aligns with modern offensive football trends.

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This addition of Danny O’Brien signals a focused commitment to fixing Virginia Tech’s passing game. His expertise in reducing turnovers could transform the Hokies’ offensive identity.

Dropping this nugget your way

Who is Danny O’Brien?

Danny O’Brien is the new quarterbacks coach for Virginia Tech. He previously held the same position at Penn State for two seasons, where he developed quarterback Drew Allar.

Why are some Penn State fans happy he left?

Some fans associate O’Brien with quarterback Drew Allar’s perceived lack of development. They believe a change was needed for the Nittany Lions’ offense to advance.

What is O’Brien’s biggest coaching strength?

His greatest strength is coaching ball security. His primary pupil at Penn State, Drew Allar, had a career interception rate of just 1.3% on over 1,000 attempts.

How does this hire help Virginia Tech recruiting?

At 35, O’Brien is a young, relatable coach with a modern approach. His experience at a major program like Penn State is a valuable asset on the recruiting trail.

What was Danny O’Brien’s playing career?

He played quarterback at Maryland, Wisconsin, and Catawba College. He had a brief professional career in the Canadian Football League before moving into coaching.