Virginia Tech’s coaching search kicked into high gear after the university parted ways with Brent Pry following a disappointing 0-3 start to the season. The Hokies entered 2025 with high expectations, but losses to South Carolina, Vanderbilt, and Old Dominion sealed his fate.
Philip Montgomery was quickly named interim head coach to steady the ship. But the question on every Hokie fan’s mind remains: When will Virginia Tech announce their permanent replacement?
How Will Virginia Tech’s Coaching Search Process Work?
Virginia Tech has set a deliberate timeline for its coaching search. According to SI, the process officially begins September 30, when the Board of Visitors meets to establish the framework for finding Pry’s replacement.
President Tim Sands and Athletic Director Whit Babcock have assigned two board members to develop the search plan, covering everything from budget limits to the type of candidate they want. That September 30 meeting will determine who leads the search committee and set the parameters for evaluating potential hires.
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The search committee structure is still being finalized as Virginia Tech works through the process. On3 reported that “Babcock will be part of this hiring process, but a committee is being put together. Who will chair the hiring search remains undetermined.”
Early indications suggest the Hokies won’t name their new head coach until at least November. “Sources have said Virginia Tech has just started preliminarily reaching out to potential candidates. At this point, a hire before November would be a surprise,” the On3 report noted regarding the search timeline.
What Led to Brent Pry’s Firing at Virginia Tech?
The coaching search became necessary after Virginia Tech’s season went completely off the rails. The Hokies managed just 11 points in their opener against 13th-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks, falling 24-11 in Atlanta despite kicker John Love hitting a program-record 56-yard field goal.
Home wasn’t any safer. The Vanderbilt Commodores embarrassed Virginia Tech 44-20 at Lane Stadium, outscoring the Hokies 34-0 in the second half after trailing 20-10 at halftime. The Commodores gained 307 yards to Virginia Tech’s 21 yards in that disastrous second half.
The Old Dominion Monarchs delivered the knockout punch with a 45-26 blowout. The Monarchs jumped ahead 28-0 by halftime before Virginia Tech added some meaningless fourth-quarter points. It marked the program’s first 0-3 start since Frank Beamer’s debut season in 1987.
Brother – it is OVER OVER for Brent Pry at Virginia Tech pic.twitter.com/HCEMja582u
— Colton Denning (@Dubsco) September 14, 2025
Montgomery faces a daunting challenge as he tries to turn around the struggling program. This Saturday’s game against the Wofford Terriers offers a critical opportunity to avoid a 0-4 start before the brutal ACC schedule begins.
The conference matches won’t provide much relief for the struggling Hokies. Road trips to face the NC State Wolfpack and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets present major challenges, while home matchups against the Miami Hurricanes and rival Virginia Cavaliers will test whether Montgomery can stabilize the program before a permanent replacement arrives.
However, Montgomery’s role as interim head coach hands Virginia Tech’s administration one important benefit: enough time to find the right permanent replacement. The measured timeline gives them breathing room to make the right choice rather than rushing into a decision they might regret. Montgomery provides stability as the interim coach, and they can thoroughly evaluate candidates without the pressure of an immediate decision.
