Marty Gordon
NRVsports@mainstreetnewspapers.com
Virginia Tech President Tim Sands shared the following message with the university community, alumni and supporters by mid-afternoon on Sunday.
“Coach Brent Pry has been relieved of his coaching duties effective immediately. We appreciate Coach Pry’s efforts and service since 2021. Unfortunately, the results on the field were not acceptable and a change in leadership is necessary. Philip Montgomery will serve as interim head coach. We will continue to fully support our team and student-athletes for the remaining games as we strive together to significantly improve the trajectory of our football program this season.
To our students, alumni, and the rest of Hokie Nation, we understand and share your disappointment with the season so far. As we move forward together, please join us in supporting and encouraging our student-athletes and athletics staff as they take on this new challenge.”
Board of Visitors members J. Pearson and Ryan McCarthy have been charged by the rector, John Rocovich, to work with university leadership and AD Whit Babcock to develop a financial, organizational and leadership plan that will rapidly position the Virginia Tech football program to be competitive with the best in the ACC.
That plan will be presented to the Board of Visitors later this month. The new framework for college sports will be fully established for next season, so this is the time to make a major move.
Pry issued his own statement thanked the university for giving him the opportunity to coach in Blacksburg. He said the community holds a special place in his heart.
Pry finished with a 16-24 record during his time at Virginia Tech.
Current offensive coordinator Phillip Montgomery will serve as interim coach.
Montgomery has head coaching experience at the University of Tulsa (2015-2022) and offensive coordinator stints at Auburn, Baylor and Houston.
He also served as the co-offensive coordinator for the Birmingham Stallions, where he helped lead the team to a 2024 UFL Championship.
