CONGRATULATIONS – Brent Pry Named Coach of the Year for Remarkable Season Turnaround at Virginia Tech
In a season that will be remembered for its grit, determination, and dramatic transformation, Virginia Tech’s head football coach Brent Pry has been named Coach of the Year, an honor that cements his impact on the Hokies and the wider college football landscape. This recognition comes as a culmination of months of hard work, vision, and leadership that saw Virginia Tech rise from the shadows of mediocrity to become a dominant force in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Brent Pry took the reins of the Virginia Tech football program in 2021, inheriting a team that had struggled to maintain consistency in recent years. With a defensive background shaped by years of experience as a coordinator at Penn State, Pry brought a strong identity, a clear culture, and a renewed energy to the program. But it wasn’t until this current season that his vision truly came to life.
At the beginning of the season, expectations were modest. Analysts predicted another rebuilding year for the Hokies, with hopes resting on player development and improved fundamentals. However, what unfolded over the course of the season was nothing short of extraordinary. Pry led the team to a string of significant victories, many of which came against higher-ranked opponents. Under his leadership, Virginia Tech posted its best regular season record in over a decade and clinched a spot in the ACC Championship game for the first time since 2016.
Key to the turnaround was Pry’s ability to foster team unity and develop young talent. Players such as quarterback Kyron Drones and linebacker Keli Lawson flourished under his mentorship. The defense, long considered a Hokie hallmark, returned to its dominant form, regularly stifling opponents and creating game-changing turnovers. Offensively, the team showed creativity, discipline, and a fighting spirit that reflected their coach’s character.
Off the field, Pry worked tirelessly to rebuild relationships with alumni, fans, and the broader Virginia Tech community. His transparency and passion reconnected the program with its roots, reinvigorating support and bringing renewed hope to the fanbase. The results were evident at Lane Stadium, where home games returned to their intimidating glory, and the “Enter Sandman” entrance once again shook the stands with energy and pride.
The Coach of the Year award is not only a personal achievement for Brent Pry, but a symbol of Virginia Tech’s resurgence. It recognizes his strategic excellence, leadership, and the resilience he instilled in his players. More importantly, it signals that the Hokies are back on the national radar, and the future looks bright.
As the season ends with this prestigious accolade, Brent Pry and his team are already looking ahead — to bowl games, to new recruits, and to the continued building of a legacy. For now, however, Hokie Nation can proudly celebrate a coach who believed in his team, fought through adversity, and delivered one of the most inspiring turnarounds in college football this year.
