Who should replace Bud Foster if he leaves?

Oct 12, 2013; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies defensive coordinator Bud Foster stands on the sidelines during the fourth quarter in the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Lane Stadium. The Hokies defeated Pitt 19-9. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

There have been reports recently that suggest that Bud Foster is a candidate for the Connecticut head coaching job and that Foster will interview for the position. Now Foster has been rumored for plenty of head coaching jobs in the past but Connecticut is definitely a team that could offer Foster the head coaching job. Of course, Foster is someone that seems to be loyal to the Virginia Teech and should be the replacement for Frank Beamer when Beamer retires.

However, the news of Foster’s interview with UCONN has to make you wonder what if Foster left for the Huskies, who would replace Foster?

The most likely coach currently on the staff to be promoted to the position of defensive coordinator would be defensive backs coach Torrian Gray. Gray has been nominated this year for the Broyles Award which is the award that goes to the top assistant in college football. Virginia Tech has arguably the best group of defensive backs in all of college football and has developed Kendall Fuller and Brandon Facyson into immediate impact players as freshman. Gray would also provide a lot of consistency and someone that knows the program since Gray has been the defensive backs coach for the Hokies since 2006. However, Gray is likely to not be the only candidate if Foster were to leave the Hokies for a head coaching position.

The Hokies would have to consider some defensive coordinators from other schools to come in and take the job of defensive coordinator. Louisville defensive coordinator Vance Bedford would be a hard person to get but would be a very good replacement. Utah State defensive coordinator Todd Orlando is leading a very good Utah State defense and has had tons of success at lower level schools which could make him ready for Blacksburg.

The Hokies would also have to look at position coaches at major programs that are known for their defensive prowess. Kerry Cooks is the co-defensive coordinator and cornerbacks coach for Notre Dame, and may want the chance to leave South Bend to run his own defense though Bob Diaco might leave for a head coaching job and Cooks would likely be promoted. Florida defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson would be another name that the Hokies could look at as the next defensive coordinator.

Is Bud Foster going to leave Virginia Tech; most likely not, but if Foster were to leave, the Hokies would most likely stay in the program and promote Torrian Gray.