News Summary
Virginia Tech has dismissed head football coach Brent Pry following a disappointing start to the season, marked by an 0-3 record after a home loss to Old Dominion. The Hokies have struggled throughout the season, raising concerns about leadership and effectiveness within the program. Interim coach Philip Montgomery has been appointed as the university seeks to turn around the football program. The Hokies also face challenges in talent recruitment, with notable struggles on the field leading to a search for a new head coach.
Blacksburg, Virginia – Virginia Tech has fired head football coach Brent Pry after the Hokies suffered a disappointing start to the season, falling to 0-3 following a 45-26 home loss to Old Dominion. This defeat marks a troubling trend for the Hokies, who have now lost to the Monarchs three times in the last nine seasons. The performance of the team, especially during crucial moments of play, has raised persistent concerns about leadership and effectiveness within the program.
The game against Old Dominion displayed a concerning lack of cohesion, as the Hokies found themselves trailing 31-0 at one point. Old Dominion quarterback Colton Joseph orchestrated a swift eight-play, 93-yard touchdown drive early, setting the tone for the evening. Virginia Tech’s initial response was marred by ineffective offensive plays, highlighted by turnovers and a fumble that significantly hindered their momentum.
Hokies quarterback Kyron Drones had a mixed performance. Although he completed 26 out of 39 passes for 266 yards along with three touchdowns, he also threw one interception and recorded two lost fumbles during the match. Drones contributed with his legs as well, rushing for 65 yards, but his overall performance did not meet the expectations of the coaching staff or the fans.
Brent Pry’s dismissal comes during a season that has been characterized by troubling struggles. Virginia Tech has notably been outscored 34-0 in the second half against Vanderbilt in a previous match. The Hokies’ current record stands as a stark reminder that they have yet to secure a win against Power 4 teams in recent outings. Coach Pry concludes his tenure with a troubling 16-24 record over four seasons at the helm.
This 0-3 start is particularly significant for Virginia Tech, as it has not experienced such a beginning since the inaugural season of legendary coach Frank Beamer, known for cultivating competitive football at the university. In light of these circumstances, athletic director Whit Babcock expressed the urgent need for both a definitive organizational and leadership strategy to revive the football program and guide it back to prominence.
As the Hokies seek to make changes, Philip Montgomery has been appointed as the interim head coach. The immediate focus will shift to the upcoming game against Wofford, where Virginia Tech is hoping to salvage their season and set a new course. Following Pry’s dismissal, the university will embark on a search for a new coach to lead the program forward.
Amidst these challenges, the Hokies have not been ranked in the AP Top 25 for four consecutive years. This lack of recognition highlights ongoing issues within the program, where it has been noted that only three of the starting 22 players in the recent game were from Virginia, showcasing a potential concern regarding local talent recruitment.
Brent Pry’s contract was originally signed for six years, valued at $27.5 million. However, the university will incur a buyout exceeding $6 million following his departure. Virginia Tech is now faced with the critical task of redefining its approach to football, as it moves forward into a new phase with the aim of restoring its competitive legacy.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Dr. William Hill Returns to Hampton Roads as Sports Medicine Surgeon
Old Dominion Monarchs Fall to No. 20 Indiana in Season Opener
Virginia Tech and Old Dominion Modify Football Scheduling Agreement
Beloved Veteran and Community Member Howard Kirk Mardis Passes Away
Virginia Tech Hokies to Face South Carolina Gamecocks in 2025
Old Dominion University Partners with Scout for Athlete Financial Support
Local High Schools Celebrate Student-Athlete Signings
Virginia Enacts Law to Compensate College Athletes
Old Dominion University Football Gains NFL Attention
Virginia Tech Shows Interest in Transfer Alex Chaikin
Additional Resources
- ESPN: Hokies Fire Brent Pry
- Wikipedia: Virginia Tech Hokies football
- CBS Sports: Virginia Tech Coaching Search
- Google Search: Virginia Tech football
- 247 Sports: Virginia Tech Transfer Portal Tracker
- Google Scholar: Virginia Tech football history
- Roanoke: Virginia Tech Hokies Analysis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Virginia Tech Hokies
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
