Virginia Tech picks Pry as its next coach
James Franklin is losing one of his most important lieutenants at Penn State.
Virginia Tech announced Tuesday that defensive coordinator Brent Pry was hired to fill the Hokies’ vacant coaching position.
“The opportunity to coach at Linebacker U. was a dream come true, and it would not have become a reality without the encouragement of so many people throughout my career,” Pry said of the move in a statement. “Penn State will always be a special place for me and my family, and we cherish the young men who allowed us to be part of their lives.”
Pry had been one of Franklin’s longest-tenured assistants, having served on his staff at Vanderbilt as well before both decamped to Happy Valley in 2014.
He became defensive coordinator in 2016, and since then, his units have consistently ranked among the nation’s best. In 2021, the defense finished the regular season seventh in Football Bowl Subdivision in scoring defense, allowing an average of 16.8 points per game.
Recognition for those efforts has followed. Earlier this month, he was nominated for the Broyles Award — presented to college football’s top assistant — for the second time.
The Altoona, Pa., native’s name has surfaced in other head coaching searches over the years, but those opportunities were with low majors such as Georgia Southern and Louisiana. Now he’ll be directing a power conference program that has fallen on hard times.
Virginia Tech moved on from coach Justin Fuente in November after six seasons. His tenure began with promise as he posted records of 10-4 and 9-4. Since then, he has posted just one winning season.
Pry previously coached with the program as a graduate assistant under longtime coach Frank Beamer from 1995-97.
Later Tuesday, Franklin wished Pry well in a statement, writing, in part: “I am truly excited for Brent and his family.
“He’s a passionate leader who will inspire his team to play their best football; but his greatest strengths are his dedication, relatability and humility.”
Pry is the third former Franklin assistant to secure an FBS head coaching gig, joining Old Dominion’s Ricky Rahne and Marshall’s Charles Huff. Former offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead is reportedly a top choice for Akron in its search.
Big Ten accolades
Jordan Stout has been crowned the Big Ten’s best punter.
The Penn State senior was so honored Tuesday when he led Penn State’s group of All-Big Ten selections and was named Eddleman-Fields punter of the year as the conference announced its end-of-season accolades for defense and special teams.
Stout is the first Penn State punter to win the prize and is also a finalist for the Ray Guy award, which goes to the nation’s best punter, after he finished the regular season ranked seventh nationally in net punting average, according to ESPN.
He and teammates Jaquan Brisker and Arnold Ebiketie were the three Nittany Lions selected to the All-Big Ten first team by both coaches and the media.
Brisker, a Gateway High School product, ranked second in the conference with 5.5 tackles for loss, while Ebiketie racked up 17 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks, a figure that ranked third in the Big Ten.
Linebacker Ellis Brooks and defensive lineman P.J. Mustipher were selected to the second-team defense. Safety Ji’Ayir Brown, cornerback Joey Porter Jr., linebacker Brandon Smith, defensive end Jesse Luketa were selected to the third-team. And cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields and linebacker Curtis Jacobs were honorable mentions.
Receiver Jahan Dotson, meanwhile, was tabbed as a third-team all-conference return specialist, though he figures to perform significantly better than that when offensive honors are announced Wednesday.