Marty Gordon
NRVsports@ourvalley.org
Virginia Tech Athletic Director Whit Babcock plans to sit down with football coach Brent Pry sometime this week to discuss where the program is.
All of this comes as fans are left scratching their heads on a 6-6 season, which had looked more promising.
“First and foremost, thank you (Hokie fans) for your unwavering passion and support for Virginia Tech Athletics. As we reflect on where we stand as a department, I want to address both the challenges and opportunities we face, knowing how deeply Hokies care about the success of our programs,” he said on Friday.
Babcock shared his vision for the future of Hokie Athletics in a conversation and podcast with Bill Roth, the voice of the Virginia Tech football program. He is standing by his head coach.
During the interview, the athletic director gave Pry a vote of confidence.
“I believe in him,” Babcock said.
Pry is now 16-20 in his three-year tenure in Blacksburg, including a 3-8 mark in year one.
Babcock has led the Blacksburg program since 2014, and just three years ago, the university announced his contract had been extended another five years to 2029.
He called this past football season frustrating and disappointing.
“It hurts when you fall short.”
Babcock even apologized to the fan base and said he is determined to fix it and to get better results, even making some difficult decisions.
“I take the responsibility, and we’ve got to improve. We’ve got to get over the hump, and get the rock over the hill,” he said.
“Your (fans) passion for our athletic programs, especially football, is what makes this place so special. I fully understand the desire to see this program rise to the level we all believe it can reach. Your commitment inspires us every day to work tirelessly toward a future that reflects and exceeds the values and expectations of Hokie Nation.”
According to Babcock, Virginia Tech Athletics is fully aligned with President Sands and university leadership in the mission to elevate all of its programs.
“The impact of that success extends far beyond the field—to our university, alumni, community, and our region. We are also navigating a time of immense change in college athletics, including the pending House vs. NCAA settlement.
“Revenue sharing with student-athletes marks a transformative moment, and we are approaching it thoughtfully to ensure Virginia Tech remains strong and competitive in this evolving landscape,” he said.
In the midst of all these considerations is a new era in Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) where the university will be able to share a large amount of monies and revenue sharing. The latest figures, Babcock said, include over $20 million as of July 1 to be given to student-athletes. Any monies given to the athlete over $600 will have to be made public.