Virginia Tech Signs Justin Fuente to Contract Extension Through 2023

Virginia Tech inked head football coach Justin Fuente to a contract extension on Monday afternoon

The Virginia Tech Hokies and athletic director Whit Babcock announced on Monday afternoon that head football coach Justin Fuente has been signed to a two-year contract extension through the 2023 season.

The 2016 ACC Coach of the Year led the Hokies to their first 10-win season since the 2011 campaign, an ACC Coastal Division title and conference championship game appearance, and a Belk Bowl win over the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Additionally, the Hokies finished the season ranked 16th in both the Associated Press Poll, as well as the USA Today Coaches’ Poll, which was the highest end-of-the-season finish for the program since the 2010 season.

Per contract details released to the media, Fuente will receive escalating salary figures up to the 2023 season, where he will make $4 million.

Fuente also has an opportunity to receive two separate retention bonuses throughout the life of his new contract. Fuente is eligible for a $200,000 bonus on April 1st, 2018, as well as a $250,000 bonus on April 1st, 2020.

Per the release on Hokiesports.com, Babcock spoke glowingly about Justin Fuente and his commitment to Virginia Tech:

"“Coach Fuente has exceeded our expectations in terms of how well he and his staff have embraced the winning tradition established by Frank Beamer at Virginia Tech, while adding their own distinct touches to enhance the legacy of our program. Justin has set high expectations for our team in the classroom, in the community, and on the field…I have the utmost confidence in his ability to lead our program, as he continues making a positive impact on our campus and in the lives of every individual associated with Virginia Tech Football.”–Whit Babcock"

Coach Fuente also expressed his excitement within the press release:

"“My family feels incredibly blessed that I’m able to work at Virginia Tech and we’re able to call Blacksburg our home. I am very appreciative for the leadership of Whit, Desiree Reed-Francois, Dr. Sands and the Board of Visitors in making Virginia Tech such an attractive destination for a head coach and a staff. Their support, a talented ad hard-working group of student athletes, and an unbelievably passionate fan base were all paramount in helping us build on Coach Beamer’s winning culture.”–Justin Fuente"

It is clear that the Hokies have found their guy to lead to program into the future, as a contract extension after one year with Fuente at the helm signifies the confidence that the athletic department has in his leadership.

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The success that the team has had both on and off the field in Fuente’s short time in Blacksburg is apparent, and now he will be a cornerstone of the program for years to come.