Former Penn State assistant coach Brent Pry fired at Virginia Tech

Penn State head coach James Franklin has built a strong coaching tree over the years. On Saturday night, one of those former assistants played a role in another losing his job.

On Sunday afternoon, Virginia Tech officially announced that Brent Pry has been fired as its head coach following a 45-26 loss at home to Ricky Rahne and Old Dominion. The Monarchs led 28-0 at halftime and totaled 527 yards of offense against the Hokies.

If anyone knows the ins and outs of Pry’s defense, it’s Rahne, as the two coaches spent six years together on Penn State’s staff until Rahne left to take over ODU in 2019. Pry spent two more seasons in State College before being named the head coach of Virginia Tech in 2022. Both were also with Franklin during his three years at Vanderbilt.

“On behalf of Amy and our entire family, I want to thank President Sands, Whit, and the Virginia Tech community for giving me the opportunity to lead this proud football program,” Pry said in a release. “Coaching at Virginia Tech has been an incredible honor and a chapter of our lives we will always cherish.

Link: How did Penn State’s players perform vs. Villanova?

“To the outstanding young men I have been privileged to coach, you have left a lasting mark on me and my family. Your hard work, resilience, and commitment to excellence – on the field, in the classroom, and as members of the community – have been inspiring every single day.

“To the dedicated assistant coaches and support staff, I am grateful beyond words. Your sacrifice, professionalism, and loyalty keep this program running and create the foundation for everything our players achieve.”

Pry’s tenure at Tech finishes with a 16-21 record. The Altoona, Pa., native went 3-8 his first year in charge of the program before finishing 7-6 in 2023 with a win in the Military Bowl against Tulane. The Hokies went 6-6 again during the regular season last year but lost to Minnesota in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl to finish 6-7. An 0-3 start this season, which also included losses to South Carolina and Vanderbilt, ultimately doomed Pry.

During his time at Penn State, Pry led three defenses that helped produce 11-win seasons in 2016, 2017 and 2019. His 2018 defense was also very good, leading the nation in sacks per game (3.62) and fourth in tackles for loss per game (8.2).

On3 national reporter Pete Nakos put together a hot board for Virginia Tech following the news. Fans can check out the coaches he believes the Hokies may approach here.