Now that Virginia Tech has fired Brent Pry, a move that had to be made after their latest setback to Old Dominion on Saturday night, let the names start flowing about potential replacements in Blacksburg. After two hires that have not worked out since Frank Beamer retired, this is a rather big hire on tap for several reasons for the future of the Hokies' program.
We highlighted some names of potential replacements for Pry, but there are some names that could be considered under-the-radar hires to be the next head coach at Virginia Tech, and here are three names to watch.
Pat Fitzgerald
Coaching at Northwestern is not an easy job in the Big Ten, but Pat Fitzgerald was able to have success, going 110-101 before being let go. Things got ugly, and a wrongful termination suit has been settled, and he's free to be considered again and will be. If he can have success in the Big Ten at a difficult spot like Northwestern, he certainly could have some success in the ACC. This is an interesting name.
Jamey Chadwell
It wasn't too long ago that Coastal Carolina was winning double-digit games, and in 2023, they went 13-1 under Jamey Chadwell, who left for Liberty after Huge Freeze was hired at Auburn. He is seen as an up-and-coming coach who is going to get his shot at a Power 4 school. He runs an exciting offense, and this is at least a phone call that Virginia Tech needs to make.
John Gruden
This is a very long shot, but you get the feeling that John Gruden is itching to get back in the game as a coach, and why not follow Bill Belichick's shoes into the ACC? He would need someone who has experience as a GM and experience in the new college game, but imagine the excitement if he's able to come to Blacksburg and turn things around?