Virginia Tech and Brent Pry are heading into a pivotal 2025 season. Last year marked Pry’s third as head coach, a point where programs typically expect tangible progress. By that stage, a coach has largely built the roster with his own recruits, implemented his system, and established a culture. Naturally, fans anticipated year-over-year improvement.
However, that progress didn’t fully materialize. Virginia Tech continued a pattern of inconsistency that has lingered since the final years of Frank Beamer, persisting through the tenures of Justin Fuente and now Brent Pry. Many fans have grown frustrated, eager to see the Hokies return to national prominence.
The passion of the fan base is understandable. Under Beamer, Virginia Tech reached a national championship game and consistently competed at a high level. While they didn’t secure a title, that era set expectations that still shape the program today. After years of mediocrity, supporters expected the 2024 season—Pry’s fourth—to be a turning point.
There were reasons for optimism. The Hokies returned 84% of their overall production from the previous season, ranking fourth nationally. Offensively, they brought back 91% of their output, and defensively, 77% of their contributors. This level of continuity suggested Virginia Tech could take a major step forward.
Instead, the team struggled to meet expectations. Pry himself set a high bar in the preseason, stating he’d be “extremely disappointed if this team didn’t compete for an ACC championship.” When a coach makes such a statement, it naturally elevates expectations among fans and media alike. However, the Hokies started the season slowly and finished with a 6-7 record, leaving many questioning why a team with so much returning experience couldn’t deliver better results.
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In response, Pry made changes in the offseason, parting ways with his strength and conditioning coach and defensive coordinator. Chris Marve, who was originally hand-picked by Pry to run his defense, was replaced with Sam Siefkes, a coach with an emerging reputation. Siefkes’ experience includes several years in the NFL, where he served as an assistant linebackers coach for the Minnesota Vikings and a defensive quality control coach. During his tenure, he worked closely with standout players such as Eric Kendricks and Jordan Hicks, helping them excel in defensive schemes. Siefkes also gained valuable experience at the collegiate level with the Arizona Wildcats, where he played a key role in developing their defense. Includes time with the Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Wildcats, where he helped develop standout linebackers. While the hire has potential, some fans were underwhelmed, especially given the extended search process. After weeks of speculation, many expected a more high-profile name.
The coaching carousel didn’t stop there. Offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen departed for Ohio State, leaving Pry with another key vacancy. This time, the hire came quickly, with Virginia Tech bringing in Philip Montgomery—a coach with extensive play-calling and head coaching experience, having previously led Tulsa for eight seasons. During his tenure at Tulsa, Montgomery’s teams were known for their high-powered offenses, and he played a key role in developing several future NFL players. Before that, he served as the offensive coordinator at Baylor, where he helped construct one of the most explosive offenses in college football. Unlike the defensive hire, this move was met with enthusiasm. Montgomery’s background aligns more closely with what fans hoped to see: a seasoned coach with a proven track record.
With these changes in place, the pressure on Pry is mounting. While he’s widely respected as a leader and culture-builder, results ultimately dictate a coach’s future—especially at a program with Virginia Tech’s expectations. Some of last season’s struggles could be attributed to the previous coordinators, but in-game adjustments, clock management, and overall execution remain areas that need improvement. The question now is whether these staff changes will provide the necessary spark.
If the Hokies take a step forward in 2025, Pry will solidify his position and restore some faith among the fan base. However, if struggles continue despite these adjustments, scrutiny will only increase. The stakes are high, and the margin for error is slim. Pry has an opportunity to prove he can guide the Hokies back to contention—but if progress remains elusive, Virginia Tech may be forced to reevaluate its long-term plans. The upcoming season is a defining one for both Pry and the direction of Virginia Tech football.
