When Virginia Tech football coach Brent Pry fired three assistant coaches earlier this month, it raised some eyebrows. One of the three coaches let go was defensive coordinator Chris Marve after a season that saw his unti struggle mightly at times, especially at the end of games.
To date, Pry has filled one of the openings by hiring West Virginia's Matt Moore to be the offensive line coach replacing the departed Ron Crook. As far as hiring a defensive coordinator spot goes, that seems like it'll be done after Friday's Duke's Mayo Bowl against Minnesota. As far as to who will fill Marve's spot that game, it'll be Shawn Quinn who is usually up in the press box for games with a headset. Who will fill that spot for the Hokies against the Gophers?
Former Virginia Tech DC Bud Foster to work Duke's Mayo Bowl with headset
Earlier this month, Pry said that former defensive coordinator Bud Foster was going to assist the Hokies third-year coach and Quinn in preparation for the bowl game as an adviser. Monday, Pry told the assembled media that Foster would be up in the box with a headset on and be eyes in the sky booth.
Brent Pry said the #Hokies are planning on having Bud Foster in the booth for the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, with a headset on for the game.
— Andy Bitter (@AndyBitterVT) December 30, 2024
Pry said Shawn Quinn will be the defensive play-caller in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. Pry will have some input. The plan is probably for Bud Foster to be eyes in the sky in the booth. #Hokies
— Andy Bitter (@AndyBitterVT) December 30, 2024
This is news to Hokies' fans ears, but no, it doesn't mean that he is getting the itch to return as a full-time assistant. If that were to happen, it would be stunning that he leaves retired life, but hey, anything is possible. There is no better person to help advise the current staff with prep, game planning and in-game adjustments.
Virginia Tech's defense is going to look a lot different than it did when they walked off the field a winner over Virginia on Nov. 30 to become bowl-eligible between players in the transfer portal and opt-outs for the NFL Draft. Foster returning for one more game is great news and good for Pry for doing it.