Tyler Bowen is leaving his role as offensive coordinator at Virginia Tech to take the position of offensive line coach at Ohio State. Bowen, who spent three years with the Hokies, is regarded for his ability to integrate various concepts, particularly in the run game, though his tenure in Blacksburg had mixed results. He is joining an Ohio State staff in transition, with offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and offensive line coach Justin Frye moving to NFL roles.
Despite Bowen having two years left on his Virginia Tech contract, sources confirm that the Hokies plan to quickly fill the vacant position. Spring ball is fast approaching, so the hiring process is expected to move much faster than the two-month search for the defensive coordinator, Sam Siefkes.
The next offensive coordinator could come from outside the program, as there are no clear internal candidates. The Hokies’ current staff members, such as receivers coach Fontel Mines and running backs coach Elijah Brooks, lack coordinator experience. The program also brought in O-line coach Matt Moore recently, and assistant O-line coach Brent Davis, who has prior experience as a coordinator at Army, could be a possible candidate, though his background in option-specific schemes may not align with Virginia Tech’s needs.
Bowen’s time at Virginia Tech saw some ups and downs. In 2022, the Hokies’ offense struggled and ranked 119th nationally, but by 2023, the offense, led by Kyron Drones and bolstered by additions at receiver and running back, improved to 60th in total offense. The 2024 season, however, was marred by injuries and an underperforming offense. With Bowen’s departure, the Hokies now find themselves in the rare position of replacing both coordinators in the same offseason without a head coaching change, something that hasn’t occurred since 1993.
