News Summary
Virginia Tech has dismissed head football coach Brent Pry following a disappointing start to the season. The decision, made by President Tim Sands, comes after three consecutive double-digit losses, leaving the team with a 16-24 record during Pry’s time. Interim coach Philip Montgomery has been appointed to lead the team as the university aims to enhance its competitive edge in college football. Fans have largely welcomed the firing, expressing hope that new leadership will revive the team’s performance.
Blacksburg, Virginia – Virginia Tech has fired its head football coach, Brent Pry, following a disappointing start to the 2025 season. The decision, announced by University President Tim Sands on September 14, 2025, comes after the Hokies suffered three straight losses, each by double digits, leaving the team with an overall record of 16-24 during Pry’s tenure.
The most recent defeat was a 45-26 loss to Old Dominion. This performance, combined with the earlier season losses, prompted university officials to conclude that a leadership change was needed. President Sands stated that the results on the field were “not acceptable,” underscoring the urgency for improvement within the program.
Effective immediately, interim head coach Philip Montgomery has been appointed to take over the football program. The university has expressed commitment to redefining the team’s direction in hopes of fostering better results on the field. The Board of Visitors has been tasked with creating a strategic plan aimed at restoring Virginia Tech’s competitiveness in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). This financial and leadership plan is expected to be presented later this month.
Brent Pry was initially appointed to head the football team in 2021, signing a six-year, $27.5 million contract. The contract was set to run through 2027, beginning with yearly salaries of $4.75 million, increasing to $5 million by 2026. If Pry accepts another position in coaching or a related field, the buyout from his contract will be offset by that income.
Students and fans of Virginia Tech football have generally reacted positively to the firing of Pry. Many have articulated their disappointment regarding the team’s current trajectory, especially following the 0-3 start. There have been widespread expressions of relief among the fanbase, with supporters deeming the decision a long-overdue move necessary for the program’s future.
The student body expressed hope that new leadership would reinvigorate the team’s performance, ultimately leading to more victories. Historical patterns have shown that the team’s struggles have also affected game attendance, with many fans leaving matches early and displaying visible frustration with the recent performances.
In his farewell statement, Coach Pry acknowledged the support he received from Hokie Nation throughout his time at Virginia Tech. He referred to coaching at the university as an “incredible honor” and encouraged fans to continue their support for the team despite its current challenges.
As Virginia Tech moves forward, the focus will be on rebuilding the football program and optimizing its potential within the increasingly competitive landscape of college sports. The appointment of Montgomery as interim head coach indicates the university’s desire for immediate change, while the forthcoming proposals from the Board of Visitors aim to provide a more sustainable framework for future success.
As the Hokies prepare for the remainder of the season under new leadership, fans will be watching closely to see how the team responds to the changes and whether it can turn around its fortunes on the field.
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Additional Resources
- WDBJ7: Virginia Tech Plans to Fire Coach Pry
- Google Search: Virginia Tech Football
- WSLS: Virginia Tech Students React to Firing of Head Football Coach Brent Pry
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Virginia Tech Football
- New York Times: Virginia Tech Football Coaching Search
- Google News: Virginia Tech Head Football Coach Brent Pry Fired
- WSET: Hokies Fire Head Football Coach Brent Pry
- Google Scholar: Virginia Tech Football
- USA Today: Virginia Tech’s Brent Pry Fired
- Google Search: Virginia Tech Hokies Football
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